Dr. John Louis Stremple

John was a native Californian born in Eureka, California on August 20, 1929 and passed away on June 24, 2016 surrounded by his children and wife singing his favorites; Home on the Range and This Land is Your Land, and telling him how dearly they loved him.  John’s early life journey was driven by his sense of values, service, and giving.  From a young age he learned the importance of honor, integrity and respect for others through his work as an Eagle Scout and later while in the Air Force. During the latter part of his military service he helped heal a needy nation and people while working in Japan during the aftermath of WW II. Following his armed services experience John worked his way through college and after earning his degree he found fulfillment in teaching and nurturing young teens as the football coach and teacher at Marysville High School, Christian Brothers High School and Yuba City High School. His contributions were recognized and he moved into administration becoming Assistant Superintendent and then Superintendent at the San Juan Unified School District and Superintendent of the Fresno Unified School District.  During this time John also received his PhD in education. John continued his work in education becoming the Superintendent of the Fresno Unified School District.  During President Reagan’s administration, John was appointed the Director and Superintendent for the Department of Defense Schools around the world. Shortly after returning from his WW II military service overseas, John married Myrna Swarts of Redding and a new life chapter of unending love, joy and devotion began for them both. Together they realized their life-long dream of having a large and loving family raising 7 children. Each child was a blessing for them and far from being overwhelmed with their family size they were active parents, took family camping trips, went to football games, had their kid’s friends over for dinners and, in short, established life-long loving bonds between their children and grandchildren that will endure forever.  In addition to his work in education John also served as a cabinet chair for the United Way, a member of the Lions club, a Rotary Club officer, served on the Blood bank and KVIE board.  He earned many awards and recognitions during his life from organizations including the United Way, the Sacramento Association for the Retarded, the YMCA Century Club, Christian Brother’s High School and the Department of Defense.  For John, being with his family was quite simply his most enjoyable, fulfilling experience. A family dinner, surrounded by all his children and grandchildren was pure heaven. His grandchildren were 'a beauty' to him and they tickled and brought enormous pride to his soul. He observed, laughed, smiled, and felt a sense of fulfillment that comforted him and gave him a soulful pride that he had accomplished something truly special.  WHAT MATTERED to our Dad………… A deep love and admiration for our Mom. Time with Family. Beautiful Memories. Reading books. The song “Home on the Range”. Helping those less fortunate. The joys of watching his children and grandchildren grow. Being a leader who earned the respect and admiration of those who reported to him.  Being polite. Gratitude.  Sharing with others.  Integrity. Cherished moments with family and friends. A competitive golf game with a $1 bet on it. Exercising.  Sharing his knowledge of history with his kids.  The love of country.  Dogs. Ice Cream sundaes and ice cream cones. Random acts of kindness. Heartfelt appreciation.  Faith. Giving back. Travel.  Walking in the woods or in his neighborhood.  Being positive.  An optimistic belief in the future and of mankind. Great teachers.  A sense of humor. American and world history. Wine and bourbon. His work. Superb manners. Honesty. Good jokes.  Funny one-liners which he happily shared. Family games. Quiet pride in his accomplishments. Hearing stories about his kids and grandkids.  Patriotic songs. Watching football. The beauty of the natural world. IT ALL MATTERS.  Thank you Dad for sharing your values.  John leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of almost 62 years….Myrna and seven adoring children….Shawn, Theresa, Gina, Liz, Susan, John and Sara and son in-laws, a daughter in law and 14 grandchildren….Jessica, Blake, Chad, Ryan, Andrew, Spencer, Hannah, Morgan, Ethan, Wyatt, Connor, Taylor, Sophia and JB. In addition, he leaves behind his brothers Paul, Jim and Don and his sister Virginia. He also leaves behind many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews.  A private service will be held. The family invites you to sign into the Gormley Mortuary site to share a memory or thoughts about John. In lieu of a donation, please keep John's memory alive by stopping at the next lemonade stand to support a young kid's business, by treating someone to an ice cream cone, by leaving a very large tip the next time you eat out, by performing a random act of kindness, by taking a walk outside to admire the beauty of nature.