John Imhoff a large, intimidating figure of a man; but, in reality he was a compassionate person with a huge heart. John was a deep thinker – much more in his later years just trying to figure out who he was. John had a laid-back sense of humor, a very dry and witty humor...very slow and easy going. It is very difficult to define the man in a few words.
John's biggest trait was the love he had for his friends and family. John always felt once he became friends with someone, they would always be his close, life-long friends. He built a major brotherhood with his firefighter family.
His family was the most important part of his life and you knew how much he loved you just by the look in his eyes when he talked to you. The kids and grandkids were his life's biggest treasures. He attended all activities Josh and Jennifer were involved in and sometimes even had him driving the fire truck with his crew to cheer them on. Family was the top of the list for John, in fact, Jennifer came into John's life when she was 12 years old. John always introduced her as "this is my daughter." John always knew and made sure everyone around him knew he had his own personal nurse in Jennifer, who was there for him when needed and he would call her several times a day. When he could not contact her, he would call Pam asking where she was. When John had something on his mind, he had to find out the answers immediately.
John is a 1974 graduate of Union High School. He was so proud that his children also graduated from Union. John was very involved in sports and loved playing football as an offensive lineman. He played in many sports including basketball and baseball. After graduation, he attended Tulsa Junior College and NEO in Miami. John loved watching OU football games with his closest friends. Because of John's love for football.he is so proud of Bruce, grandson, who plays..in his last days he showed Bruce different and successful moves that a lineman should perform.
John's beginning career as an electrician led him to work for Claude Neon. He then found his true calling when he applied for a position as a firefighter with the Tulsa Fire Department. John served the City of Tulsa for 26 ½ years and retired in 2007 after suffering a career-ending injury. John was also elected and served as Vice-President (VP) of Local 176, District 5. While serving as VP, he represented the Tulsa Fire Department at the MDA telethon in Los Angeles, California where he met Jerry Lewis. He was also instrumental in successfully lobbying and having enacted into law for what we now know as the B Plan for firefighters. John also served on the insurance committee to find the best health insurance for the firefighters. He also had many part-time jobs..lawn service, putting together bicycles and insurance sales.
A hobby of John's was cooking and of course making the biggest messes. He said he did it on purpose. Those who knew him well knew he loved to cook especially when he didn't have to clean up the mess. In fact, anytime John would cook, either at the station or home, there would be flour on the floor and literally everywhere and his fellow firefighters continually asked John "how is there flour all over the place when you didn't even use flour for the meal?"
John had his favorites in food which were Kentucky Fried Chicken, Double cheeseburgers, Coney Island and BBQ. He loved eating Pam's chicken and dumplings and holiday dinners. His mother was the best cook in the world according to John and when he would visit, she would cook nonstop all his favorite meals. The last few days of his stay in the hospital, John would not eat much. His fellow firemen brought in his favorite foods. He loved it!! One day, Pam called Josh and asked if he was eating and Josh informed her he really did not know..he said for 33 years he never saw his dad without food all over his mouth and shirt!!!
John will be missed by friends and family.
Preceded in death by: Ivan John Imhoff, Father; Mary Lou Sample (Imhoff-Carter), Mother; Gardner "Doc" W. Carter, Sr (step-father), sisters Anthea "Angie" Imhoff and Lewanna Gail Smith, Lula Mae Sample, Grandmother, whom he loved dearly.
Survived by: Former wife, Pamela Imhoff; Son, Joshua Avery Imhoff; Grandchildren, Addison Rose Imhoff and Bruce Avery Imhoff; Daughter, Jennifer Wallace-Morton and husband Jon Morton.
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