John Edwin Janeway

John Edwin Janeway

John Edwin Janeway was born in San Bernadino California on October 13, 1937. He passed away peacefully at the age of 87 in his home surrounded by his loving wife and family on the morning of July 18, 2025.

He was raised in East Los Angeles by his parents, Maria Emma Martinez, an immigrant from northern Mexico, and John Raymond Janeway, a Spanish-speaking Baptist minister. The family spoke Spanish in his home until he was five years old. He graduated from Garfield High School in 1955. He excelled in mathematics and worked at Lee's Shoe store during his High School years. He was a member of the ROTC and earned the rank of Colonel, leading the ROTC in three Los Angeles high schools. He continued to serve in the Navy Reserve and received an honorable discharge in 1981.

John attended East Los Angeles College, UCLA and Long Beach State, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering. He met Mary Elaine Meredith in 1959 at a church dinner on Easter Sunday. After their first date at Disneyland they fell in love and were married on September 24, 1960 by John's father in the Hollywood Presbyterian Church. They were married for 64 years. He lived in Norwalk California where they welcomed their daughters, Karen and Kathi. He was transferred to Columbus, Ohio where he worked for Rockwell International as an Aerospace Engineer. In his career he worked on top secret projects including the Star Wars missile defense system. In Ohio, he welcomed two sons Kevin and David.

John and Elaine became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1970 after being introduced to the church during a visit to Temple Square in Salt Lake City. They returned to Salt Lake City a year later and were sealed for time and all eternity as a family in the Salt Lake Temple. John was transferred back to California in 1972 and lived in Cypress, California where he began his long service in the scouting program. Thus began his love of Scouting. He was recognized often for his service and generosity towards the Scouting movement.

Every summer the family went camping in their tent trailer, exploring the National Parks.

In 1981 the family moved to Simi Valley, California after a job transfer to Rocketdyne in Canoga Park. In Simi Valley they made longtime friends whom they love and treasure. This is where two of their children met their future spouses. After some of his grandchildren moved to Utah they decided to retire in Murray, Utah to be closer to their grandchildren. John served many years as the Ward Executive Secretary. He was passionate about family history and researched his ancestors diligently. He was known to help others with their family tree, including people seeking membership in the Mayflower Society, Daughters of the American Revolution and Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.

John and Elaine served as Temple Ordinance Workers in the Jordan River and Salt Lake Temples for over 20 years. They served as missionaries in the Salt Lake City Inner City Mission for 18 months. He is known for supporting many full-time missionaries. His anonymous generosity to numerous people over the decades has blessed their lives immensely.

John loved to square dance with Elaine and to play games like Hearts and dominos with his family and friends. He would frequently be found behind a camcorder recording his children and grandchildren in their performances and special events. He also volunteered to video many friends and church members' weddings.

He was a long time theater patron, attending the Hale Center Theater in California and Utah and the Hollywood Bowl. He loved traveling with Elaine around the world and his favorite experiences were their visit to the Holy Land and their sailing cruise in Thailand. John has been to 6 of the 7 continents (viewing the 7th from a cruise ship).

He is survived by his wife, Elaine, children Karen (Lyle), Kathi (Sean), Kevin and David (Jillinda), his grandchildren: Robert, Sarah, Greg, Erin, Lauren, Emma, Kiki, Jordyn, Lucas, Izzy, Kelcey, 12 great-grandchildren, and sister Linda Barrett.

John is preceded in death by his parents and his older brother Charlie Janeway.

He will be remembered with love.

A viewing will be held on July 25, 2025 from10:00-10:45 at the (1160 East Vine Street, Cottonwood Creek Stake Center Murray, Utah 84121). A funeral will be held at the same location at 11:00. Interment will be held at Larkin Sunset Garden, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah 84092.