John Franklin Stapp

10/22/1937 - 05/29/2014

John was born and raised in North Hollywood. He is preceded in death by his father Bill and his mother Dorothy. He is survived by Christine, his wife of 49 years, sons William, Ron and John, daughters-in-law Debbie and Tracy, grandchildren Korey, Melanie, Cody, Ryan, Megan, Greyson, Payton, Ronnie, Galiana and Kyra, his brother Dick and sister Connie, and numerous extended family members.
John graduated from North Hollywood High, where he was a standout baseball and basketball player, and also played the saxophone in the band. He signed with the Milwaukee Braves in 1956 as a second baseman and played four years of pro baseball.
He was drafted into the army and spent two years as an MP stationed at Fort Richardson in Fairbanks, Alaska. He played two seasons for the Alaska Goldpanners, leading the team to a runner-up finish at the National Baseball Congress World Series as a pitcher and middle infielder. He was named All-American and voted most popular player at the tournament in 1962.
John returned to California and joined the L.A. County Sheriff's department, the start of a 32-year career, and soon after met the love of his life, Christine. They were married in 1964 and had three children in the next five years. What followed was a non-stop schedule of coaching his sons' flag football, basketball and baseball games.
He was a reliable and honest man with a quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor that was unforgettable. He was also a very giving person who asked for very little in return: "Just keep your car clean" and "make your free throws."
Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, June 4th, 11:00am, at Basham Funeral Care, 3312 Niles Street.