John E Giliam

John Everett Giliam, 63, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at his home beside his wife, Renee, and his lifelong friend, Marlin Zoerink, following a short but courageous battle with ALS.

John was born in Artesia, California on December 30, 1962, to William and Sadie Giliam. He was their third son, joining brothers Sid and Karl. At 3 months old, John and his family moved from California to Washington. John was raised on the family's homestead on H Street Rd. where the family dairy farmed.

John attended Ebenezer School and graduated from Lynden Christian High School in 1981.

John married Renee Roorda on September 8, 1989. They enjoyed a marriage of 36 years until John's passing. They were blessed with two sons, Theo and Grant, whom John loved being a father to. In 2024, John found new joy in the title of Papa. Kendra Lynn became John's source of joy and comfort in the difficult days of his fight with ALS.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Renee; his two sons Theo and girlfriend Brittney, and Grant and wife Amanda and their daughter, Kendra; brothers Sid (Sandra) and Karl; mother-in-law Cheryl Roorda; brothers-in-law Kent Roorda and Brian (Cari) Roorda; sisters-in-law Kim (Dave) Ryskamp and Jodi (Brian) Vander Pol. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, William and Sadie Giliam, as well as his father-in-law, Paul Roorda.

John worked a variety of jobs throughout the years but was, at heart, a truck driver. Most recently he drove at Bert Matter Trucking.

Jeeping, Harleys, and camping with his family were a few of the things John enjoyed the most. Recently, John and Renee enjoyed travelling across the country. Pawhuska, Oklahoma was one of the favorite spots they found, where they enjoyed the company of many dear friends. Friends and family will remember John's readiness to share his interests, often through giving rides on his Harley or talking travel and trucks. But most of all, these moments reflect the amount of time John spent loving those he was close with.

John's burial will be held at Monumenta Cemetery at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 14, followed by a memorial service at Nooksack Reformed Church at 11:00 A.M.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.