1951
John
2023
John Phelps Medbury Jr.
November 4, 1951 — August 4, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Phelps Medbury, 71, of Tucson AZ, on August 4th, 2023. John is survived by his wife Elizabeth Medbury, his children Sean (Laura) Medbury, Jason Medbury, Jamie (Kris) Medrano and Michael Craghead, his grandchildren Chris Medbury, Kindle Jean Medbury, Kayden Wallner, Johnathan Medrano, Jackson Medrano, Michael Craghead, Charlie Craghead, and Elliot Craghead, his sister Debbie Muschik. John had a large extended family and many loyal friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion and humor and quick wit.
John was born on November 4th, 1951, to Jean and John Medbury in Pacifica, CA. Although born in the Bay area he primarily grew up in Southern CA. John graduated from North Hollywood High School in 1970 and was drafted into the Air Force shortly thereafter. Originally station at Norton AFB in San Bernardino, CA he as transferred to Unbon Thailand TRAFB where he worked as a DJ for the radio station on the AFB. While in the AF he competed int eh AF talent show doing a comedy routine eventually making it to the finals on the East Coast. He ended his military career stationed at Holloman AFB in Alamogordo NM. After the military he graded from San Bernardino Valley College with an AA in Media Production and took a job with Pacifica Bell as a repair man/lineman. He was active in the theatre community in Riverside and Redlands CA performing and directing long enough to work on stage with his own son Jason Medbury. He also did some stand up comedy using props at Mitzi Shore’s The Comedy Store. He had an insatiable appetite for live music and made sure his children were exposed to all types. For years he made the pilgrimage to the Dohney Blues festival with friends and family. Working his way up to manager PacBell/AT&T he moved the family to Gold Run in Northern CA in the early 200’s. He officially retired from PacBell/AT&T in 2015 after 30 years and shortly thereafter moved to the more arid climate of Tucson, AZ.
John’s presence was a source of light and joy to those around him. He was known to entertain the children and grandchildren at all the family get together by either tossing them around in the pool, playing invisible catch with a paper sack, or taking them on a space voyage with “rocket chair.” We will forever hold him close in our hearts. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the beautiful life he lived and the positive impact he had on all of us.
A memorial service to honor and remember John’s life is being held on August 19, 2023 at Sensible Cremations and Funerals at 1:00 pm in Tucson, AZ.
Though John may no longer be with us in person, his spirit will forever shine brightly in the lives he touched.
John was born on November 4th, 1951, to Jean and John Medbury in Pacifica, CA. Although born in the Bay area he primarily grew up in Southern CA. John graduated from North Hollywood High School in 1970 and was drafted into the Air Force shortly thereafter. Originally station at Norton AFB in San Bernardino, CA he as transferred to Unbon Thailand TRAFB where he worked as a DJ for the radio station on the AFB. While in the AF he competed int eh AF talent show doing a comedy routine eventually making it to the finals on the East Coast. He ended his military career stationed at Holloman AFB in Alamogordo NM. After the military he graded from San Bernardino Valley College with an AA in Media Production and took a job with Pacifica Bell as a repair man/lineman. He was active in the theatre community in Riverside and Redlands CA performing and directing long enough to work on stage with his own son Jason Medbury. He also did some stand up comedy using props at Mitzi Shore’s The Comedy Store. He had an insatiable appetite for live music and made sure his children were exposed to all types. For years he made the pilgrimage to the Dohney Blues festival with friends and family. Working his way up to manager PacBell/AT&T he moved the family to Gold Run in Northern CA in the early 200’s. He officially retired from PacBell/AT&T in 2015 after 30 years and shortly thereafter moved to the more arid climate of Tucson, AZ.
John’s presence was a source of light and joy to those around him. He was known to entertain the children and grandchildren at all the family get together by either tossing them around in the pool, playing invisible catch with a paper sack, or taking them on a space voyage with “rocket chair.” We will forever hold him close in our hearts. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the beautiful life he lived and the positive impact he had on all of us.
A memorial service to honor and remember John’s life is being held on August 19, 2023 at Sensible Cremations and Funerals at 1:00 pm in Tucson, AZ.
Though John may no longer be with us in person, his spirit will forever shine brightly in the lives he touched.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Phelps Medbury Jr., please visit our flower store.
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