John William Goostrey

April 6, 1946 — May 25, 2024

Surprise

John William Goostrey was born April 6, 1946 in Spokane, Washington to John James Eric Goostrey and Coetta Beth Bentley Goostrey who moved to Post Falls, Idaho shortly after with John’s three older siblings. His father passed away just over two years later and he and his siblings were raised by his widowed mother. The family lived in Post Falls until John was about ten at which time, they moved to Cheney, Washington.

John began attending Cheney High School before the family moved to Ephrata, Washington in 1962 where he graduated from Ephrata High School in 1964. He later attended Big Bend Community College studying Aviation Engineering and receiving his pilot certification. He grew to love aviation and built a long career in the field. He made many lifelong friends throughout his career as a pilot, air traffic controller, and flight safety manager.

Serving in the Air Force from 1967 to 1971, John was stationed in Minnesota, Libya, England, and Japan as an airframe repairman after which he moved back to Washington state where he taught flying and flew charters.

John’s mother lived as a devout Christian and raised him in the Presbyterian faith. He chose to be baptized in high school. Later, while in college, he began dating a young lady who was a member of the Lutheran church and then chose to unite himself with that faith for a time. He finally joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1974 and was a faithful member of the church for the rest of his life, sharing his love of the gospel and his Savior to many and showing that love in constant acts of service.

After relocating to Twin Falls, Idaho, John worked for the FAA as an air traffic controller, and met Sheila Withers. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on December 11, 1976 and over the next eight years became the parents of five children. During this time, he moved with his family to Auburn, then Pasco, Washington and ending up in Boise, Idaho where they finished raising their children.

John was a people person who loved to talk to others wherever he was, whether at the grocery store or church. He was always smiling, laughing, and teasing his kids, making everyone around him feel welcome. He was also an avid storyteller, keeping friends and family entertained with endless tales of his humorous exploits.

John faced life's challenges with grace and resilience, particularly during the nine-and-a-half-year battle his son David fought against cancer, which ended in 2002. After retiring from the FAA, John was diagnosed with dementia, later progressing to Alzheimer's. As his condition advanced, John and Sheila moved to Tooele, Utah, and then to the Phoenix, Arizona area to live with their daughter, Amy. Sheila, Amy and her family spent John’s remaining years helping Sheila care for him until he finally succumbed to the disease at their home in Surprise, Arizona on May 25th, 2024. He was 78 years old.

John is survived by his Wife, Sheila Withers Goostrey, son James Michael Goostrey (Jennifer Taylor) of Liberty, Idaho, Amy Nicole Bates (Andrew Bennett Bates) of Surprise, Arizona, John Eric Goostrey of Meridian, Idaho, Stacy Michelle Brady (Dee Joseph Brady) of Washington, Utah, seventeen grandchildren, one great granddaughter, a great grandson expected soon, and his siblings, Geraldine Becker, Wesley Goostrey and his wife Rebecca, and Jennie Catarra and her husband Timothy. He is preceded in death by his parents and by his son David Mark Goostrey.

A viewing will be held on Monday, June 10th from 9:30-10:30 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint located at 15005 North Dysart Rd., El Mirage, AZ 85335. A military graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 15th at Larkin Sunset Gardens located at 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy, Utah 84092.

John's life was a testament to his faith, love for his family, and dedication to his career and country. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

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Visitation

Monday, June 10, 2024

9:30 - 10:00 am (Mountain (no DST) time)

15005 N Dysart Rd

15005 N Dysart Rd, El Mirage, AZ 85335

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