John Bascom Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Premier Funeral Services - Salt Lake City on Sep. 30, 2025.
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John Allen Bascom passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, at the Huntsman Cancer Research Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was 76 years old. Born in Lynwood, California, on October 16, 1948, John was the son of Earl Wesley Bascom and Eunice Nadine Bascom. The family lived in several places throughout California before settling on a ranch in Victorville in 1975-a place that became central to John's life and legacy. Following in his parents' footsteps, John attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972. He faithfully served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in France and Switzerland, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with love and conviction. Upon returning to California, John joined his father Earl in producing sculpture and bronze castings-first at their home on Corda Drive and later on the family ranch. Nadine, an artist herself, was a devoted supporter of their creative endeavors. Together, they built a life steeped in artistry, history, and service. John was deeply involved in the Mojave Historical Society, the Mormon Battalion Reenactors Group in the San Bernardino and High Desert areas, and the Route 66 Museum in Victorville-where he and Lisa first met. He gave lectures, participated in reenactments, and shared his love of history with the community. Alongside his mother Nadine, wife Lisa, Juliette and a circle of talented musician friends, , dressing up and delighting audiences with music and storytelling. He encouraged his family to enter their art in the San Bernardino Fair each year and took great care of the ranch and its horses. He also documented his father Earl's rodeo experiences and inventions, preserving a legacy of Western heritage. In 2005, at a rodeo in Salt Lake City, John proudly sponsored an award by donating one of his father Earl's sculptures. ![John with Lisa, Juliette, and Nadine at the Salt Lake City Rodeo - honoring Western legacy.] In his parents' later years, John lovingly cared for them, with Lisa by his side supporting Nadine. In 2014, John, Lisa, and Juliette moved to Utah, where they continued to build a life of creativity, faith, and community. He worked at PAC box company before becoming a substitute teacher in the Granite School District, as did Lisa (Canyons School District). They quickly connected with Utah's Pioneer History community and helped launch a music festival-first the Wallsburg Mountain Music Festival, now known as Ted Fest-serving on the board and volunteering for over a decade. ![John in Battalion uniform at the 24th of July Parade - celebrating pioneer legacy.] John was diagnosed with stage four cancer two and a half years before his passing. He received exceptional care at the Huntsman Cancer Research Institute and was blessed by Apostle Elder Dale G. Renlund with time to complete what he needed before returning home to his Heavenly Father. John is survived by his beloved wife, Lisa Griffiths Bascom, whom he married on September 25, 1999; his daughter, Juliette Camille Bascom; and four stepchildren: James Aaron Jespersen, Jeffrey Christen Jespersen, and Kodie Rjae Jespersen Vaughn. He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Rebekah Jespersen. He is also survived by two grandchildren: Gabriel Peme, son of Kodie Rae Vaughn and her first husband Hernan, who spent meaningful time with John at the family ranch in Victorville; and Jonas Jespersen, son of James Aaron Jespersen and Audry, who lived in Twin Falls and Boise and volunteered alongside John at the music festival in Utah. Though distance separated them, John loved those boys deeply and cherished the visits they shared-especially during trips to see Lisa's mother in Utah. He is also survived by his siblings: Denise Marion, Mel Marion, Doris Cox, David Cox, Glen Bascom, Claudia, Donna Louderback, and Jim. John in Tooele, Utah - Smelter Road, Fall 2024. A moment of quiet strength and beauty.] John's life was a tapestry of faith, art, music, and history. He is deeply missed-but we know he moves swiftly in the spirit world, reunited with loved ones and continuing his joyful work. Surely, when he met the Savior, he heard the words: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."