John E. Bigelow

1940 - 2016

John E. Bigelow died peacefully at Carlsbad Medical Center on July 15, 2016 at the age of 76. John was born to parents, Everett and Bertha Bigelow, on May 12, 1940 in Huntington, Indiana. He grew up as the youngest of four and attended Andrews High School, in Indiana. John was an outstanding athlete, excelling in basketball and baseball. John attended Eastern New Mexico University on a full basketball scholarship, one of many that he was offered. After playing in the national tournament, he received a letter from the Chicago Zephyrs, now the Washington Wizards. He chose to finish college and continued playing for ENMU. John was awarded Most Valuable Player and earned the Free Throw Championship many times. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Indiana in 1985. When John graduated from college, he accepted a position to teach in the Carlsbad Municipal Schools. He taught a variety of subjects and grade levels for 28 years. John was a wonderful teacher, who was kind, fair, soft spoken, and had a wonderful smile. John met the love of his life, Jerry Sue, in 1961. They married in Hobbs, New Mexico on June 1, 1963 and were married for a wonderful 53 years. In 1969, they were blessed to have a beautiful daughter, Julie Michele. John was a member of BPOE #1558. He enjoyed working with students and was chairman of youth activities from 1979 - 1980. He was once awarded Elk of the Month. John had a number of hobbies. One was using a router to make colorful inspiring signs for friends and family. He spent many summers painting houses and enjoyed every minute. He loved to travel; always an adventure around the bend. John is survived by his wife, Jerry Sue, his beloved daughter, Julie and her husband, Tony Parris. John has four grandchildren, Paul and his wife, Audra; Adam and his wife, Nikki; Caleb and his wife, Ashley; and Jessica Parris. There are seven great grandchildren: Dublin, Lochlin, Canon, Zoey, Riley, Hailey, and Liam. John has one surviving sister, Carolyn Toner. He has many loved nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. John will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and al who knew him. Family has chosen private services and cremation will take place. Condolences may be recorded on line at dentonwood.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in John's name.