John Clayton Chambers

John Clayton Chambers, a devoted educator and respected member of the Brophy Community, passed away March 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous battle with cancer. John was born on August 19,1947, in Florence, Arizona. John's journey in education spanned nearly five decades, leaving a lasting impression on the lives of thousands of students. He dedicated 45 years of his career to Brophy, where he wore many hats: teacher, coach, dean of students, and most notably, athletic director. Additionally, John was the moderator for the Fly Fishing and Gourmet Cooking Clubs. In 1987 John took a chance on a college coaching career at William & Mary, most appreciative of the experience, he returned to Brophy the following year. John also served on the Arizona Interscholastic Association Board and retired in 2014. After retirement, John continued enjoying his work for the AIA.

John's early years were spent growing up in Florence, moving to Apache Junction in the 8th grade. John had a special place in his heart for both his Grandma Maude and his Grandma Fischer. He spent much of his free time helping out on Grandma Fischer's farm in Tempe. He also made 25 cents a day as a youngster inspecting cotton.

In 1965, John was a student of the first graduating class of Apache Junction High School. In high school he played on the football, basketball and baseball teams and was active in the student council where he was voted Vice President his senior year and was voted to be part of the "Future Teachers of America". John also worked as cashier for the A.J. Bayless grocery store helping to pay his way through college, which led to his graduating from Arizona State University.

Some of John's proud accomplishments include being the only coach in Arizona to take both the Brophy boys and Xavier girls basketball teams to the state finals in 1986. He was selected State Coach of the year in 1978- 1979, 1979-1980, 1984, 1985-1986 as well as Athletic Director of the Year for 1999-2000. NIAAA State Award of Merit in 2008. In 2014, John was also inducted into the Brophy and Arizona Interscholastic Association's Hall of Fame.

Many a game night and Saturday Mornings were spent at the Wineburger's Table 10 replaying the weeks wins or losses with other coaches throughout the valley. He was also a charter member of the “OFL” for more than 30 years. John enjoyed spending time at the cabin in the White Mountains, fishing Lee's Ferry, Alaska, and the rivers of Montana, golfing with his hacker friends and cooking for family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Patricia Chambers, and his daughter, Jennifer Schwartz. He is survived by his wife, Martha Chambers, and children: Melissa Hardy (Chris), Denise Savoy (Brian), Jamie Allen (James), and Paul Allen and his grandchildren: Josh (Kim), Erica, Brooke, Emma, Kaylee (Cody), and Savannah, along with his great-grandchildren Colton, Beau, and Calliope. His brothers, Jim and Scott, and mother-in-law Grummy (Marge Thompson).

John will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The love, compassion, and energy that John brought into the world will continue to shine through those he leaves behind, as they carry on his legacy of nurturing, encouragement, and dedication to education and family.

Rosary prayers in John’s memory will take place at 5:00pm on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Brophy Chapel. The Funeral Mass will be held the following morning at 9:00am on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Brophy Chapel, 4701 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the “John Chambers Memorial Fund” at Brophy College Preparatory, 4701 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012 or www.brophyprep.org/directing-your-gift. Also, the Chambers family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley for their loving care.