John Albert Potter, III

John Potter passed away peacefully at the age of 89. Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1936—on what he jokingly called “Grump Day”—John lived a life full of stories, humor, and quiet strength.

He grew up in Santa Monica and worked at his family’s business, Potter’s Hardware in Westwood Village, until 1963. The store was a fixture in the community, and John took pride in being part of its legacy before big businesses changed the landscape.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1962, with assignments that took him from Fort Ord to Korea near the DMZ, then to Okinawa, and finally back to Fort Huachuca, Arizona. His time in the military reflected the same sense of duty and perseverance that defined his life.

John was married to his wife Cherie for 63 years, a partnership built on love, respect, and shared adventures. Together they raised three children—Julie, Josh, and Jeremy—and created a home filled with support, resourcefulness, and memorable family trips through the Southwest.

John worked in electronics and quality control, including time at W.L. Gore and a computer company in Flagstaff. He studied electronics through the MDTA program and built circuit boards and tech units with care and precision. Later in life, he transitioned to food service at schools in Flagstaff and Boise, and also did food demonstration work at markets around Boise, where he enjoyed sharing recipes and conversation with shoppers.

He enjoyed cooking a wide variety of baked goods and main dinner items—the list is gigantic. Who could forget his Navajo tacos and juicy turkeys? He was always happy to pass along his kitchen wisdom to his kids.

He had a lifelong appreciation for country western music and collected cassette tapes from the 1950s onward. John also had a special fondness for dogs, especially Elkhounds. Over the years, he cared for several, each with their own personality and quirks. He enjoyed their company and the way they became part of the rhythm of family life.

John was a storyteller, a problem-solver, and someone who took pride in everything he did. He is survived by his wife Cherie, his three children, and a growing number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who remember him with respect and gratitude. He will be missed by all who knew him.