John Wesley Simchick

John Simchick died peacefully on December 26^th, 2023, after a battle with mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer.  He lived in Terlingua, Texas.

John was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1943.  After graduating from Sandia High School, he joined the Army as part of the 101^st Airborne Division and jumped out of airplanes with one parachute.  He was a trumpet player and was good enough to make it into the 101^st Airborne Band.

After his term of service ended, John found work for a while as a lineman for Tan Electric Power Utility and worked in a foundry.  John found his carrier as a sprinkler fitter and joined local 183 in Wisconsin.  He installed fire protection systems for 30 years, retiring in 1995.

After retirement, John wanted to live in a warmer climate, and moved to Texas, first living in Zapata, Texas, but later settling in Terlingua where he grew to love the local people and the area.  His friends in Terlingua knew him as a compassionate and helpful man, willing to go the extra mile to help someone in need. 

His friends in Terlingua and his family mourn his passing.  John is survived by his wife, Diane; his children Cole, Clayton, and Crystal; their spouses and three grandchildren.