John Breckenridge Crump

John Crump died November 30, 2023, at the age of 62. He passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side. After winning several battles with cancer but finally losing the war, he left this world a far better place than he found it.

John was born and raised in Indiana. He graduated from Brebeuf College Preparatory School and in May 1980, he enlisted in the U. S. Army. In the fall of 1980, he was accepted into the Special Forces Qualification Course. His first assignment as a qualified Green Beret was at Fort Devens, MA, 10th Special Forces Group, where he was stationed until 1983. In 1987, he attended Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, GA. After being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, he attended Military Intelligence training at Ft. Huachuca, AZ, which began his lifelong ties to Arizona. John served in Desert Shield in 1990-91, conducting special operations in northern Iraq and Turkey. John's Army career took him all over the world, from both coasts of the United States, to Africa, the Middle East and Germany. He returned to Ft. Huachuca in 1993, and while there, completed his Bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, where he was valedictorian of his class. He remained at Ft. Huachuca until his retirement in May 2000. After retiring from active duty, he taught ROTC at the University of Arizona, where he liked to say he "made officers." John found it very rewarding to work with intelligent and committed young men and women. He looked back fondly at his 14 years at the University of Arizona. He finished his government service at the Puget Sound Veteran's Administration teaching leadership classes. He retired in April 2023, a few months before his death. John took great pride in his country and was proud of his years of service.

John was always very physically active, competing in triathlons and cycling events, including the El Tour de Tucson several times. He ran a full marathon, which he said, was one more marathon than anyone should ever run. Even with knees that Goodwill wouldn't take, he remained active until his death, still walking the family dog a few miles every morning.

John married the love of his life, Jill, in 2006 and they loved doing life together. They enjoyed attending comedy shows, concerts and sporting events. They attended baseball games in all National League West ballparks and became frustrated Mariners fans and loyal Seahawks fans upon their move to the Seattle area. John enjoyed fishing with Jill's parents on Oregon lakes. John's greatest joy was spending time with his grandson, Felix, and making memories for Felix to share with Dolly when she's older, as she never got to know her "Grandpa Crump."

John is survived by his wife, Jill Pierce, son Tom Crump, daughter Liz Crump (Charlie Candelaria), grandchildren Felix and Dolly, sisters Kate (Scott) Andrews, Beth (Tony) Tyrrell, brothers Joe (Rozanne) Crump and Brian Crump. Several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins will also mourn his passing. He will be greatly missed by former students, co-workers and all whose lives he touched.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Breck and Maryellen Crump.

John will be remembered for his integrity, stoicism, and dry wit. His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, former students, and those he mentored simply by being an example of what a good man is.

At John's request, there will be no services. When John moved on from one job to the next, he preferred to leave quietly, without the requisite going away lunch or party. He chose to let the body of work he left behind speak for itself. And so it shall.