John Franklin Stapp

1942 - 2020

BORN

1942

DIED

2020

John Stapp Obituary

John Franklin Stapp

John (Johnny) Stapp passed away unexpectedly while driving back from his beloved cabin on Saturday, August 29, 2020. Johnny and his wife Sandy lived a full and active life surrounded by loving family and friends, and his passing reminds us all of how precious life is.

Johnny was born in Redding, California to John and Gladys Stapp on November 9, 1942. He was raised in Anderson, California and graduated from Anderson High School in 1961. He started working in the grocery business at age 15, working his way up from box boy, to clerk, to produce manager at Safeway.

After having 3 children with his first wife, he met and married Sandy in 1975 with whom he has made a beautiful home and raised their 2 daughters. A friend once said of Johnny and Sandy, "those two were attached at the hip." If Johnny was doing anything, Sandy was always by his side--except for the occasional hunting trips with the men in his life. They recently acquired a cabin and remodeled it as a labor of love, knowing he wanted to share it with family and friends.

Johnny enjoyed life to its fullest and was frequently hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his family, close friends, dogs and vegetable garden. He was so proud of his dive trips to Fort Bragg for abalone and spear fishing along with his trips to the North Coast and Southern Oregon Coast, hunting agates on the beach. Most will remember his remarkable storytelling, often while having a beer around the campfire. He truly had a knack for making us laugh!

Johnny was known for his kindness, friendliness, helpfulness and of course his determination. He always put others first and, while quick to help out a friend, never liked to burden anyone with his problems.

Johnny is survived by his loving wife Sandy, 5 children (Angela, Stephanie (Lonney), Eschelle (Roger), John T (Laura), and Samantha), 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Johnny was also very close to his siblings and is preceded in death by his oldest sibling Libby and survived by Joline, Lucy (aka Doodles), Mike and Rick.

We hope to have a celebration of Johnny's life sometime in the future as we know he had a huge circle of family and friends who loved him dearly.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Redding Record Searchlight from Sep. 9 to Sep. 13, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Stapp

14 Entries

Jean McDonald Littleton

September 3, 2022

I was a classmate of Johnny and remember how all the girls always had a crush on him. He was always oblivious to this and truly nice to everyone.
Jean McDonald Littleton

Lorrie Kay Douglas

October 20, 2020

Dear Sandy and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing and hope you are doing well with your recovery. It has been good getting to know you and John as our neighbors at Moose Camp. It won't be the same in our little corner but we are here to help. Sending big hugs and hope to give you one in person soon.

Always,
Tim, Lorrie Kay and Meredith Douglas

Tom Rayl

September 28, 2020

I was John's neighbor for more than 10 years. You couldn't have wished for a more considerate, kind, agreeable, genuine, generous, fun, steady and loveable neighbor than John. I am so saddened for Sandy, his family, children and grandchildren and close friends because having someone as nice a John in your life being suddenly taken away has to be unbearable. I hope all of the kindness and sincere love he shared will eventually combine with great memories and ease the pain for his family. As a friend and neighbor, I will always remember him a one of the finest, most honorable men I've ever known. Rest in peace, Johnny, and watch over your family now.

Melissa

September 15, 2020

I am so saddened to hear this news and disbelief. Prayers for Sandy and family. Sandy if you need anything Im here for you.
Melissa

John Minoletti

September 15, 2020

I was the Stapp paper boy when they brought Doodles home to Mill Street. A highlight on my route. Always something going on there with Libby ... Johnny ... and Jolene. Johnny was like the rest of the family: very bright and good hearted people. .

Ron Rook

September 14, 2020

I just found out today that Johnny had past. To his family and close friends, my sincerest and heartfelt condolences. It has been 42 years since I saw and worked with Johnny during our Safeway days. I can still see that contagious smile of his, the humor and incredible energy. Johnny was always there for you, always willing to drop what he was doing to help out. A true friend who would drive 50 miles to pull me out of a five foot snow drift in the mountains, to inviting me along on his annual salmon fishing trip off the coast of Trinidad Head. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. I only wish I had reached out and said hello when I had the chance.

Happy trails my old friend!
Ron

Sherri Bernardino

September 13, 2020

You were loved Uncle Johnny, you will be missed, and you will always be remembered! Thoughts and prayers to the entire family!

Nancy C.

September 13, 2020

Sandy and Family
My sincerest condolences. Johnny will sorely be missed at Moose Camp. Even while remodeling the cabin, John would take time to lend a helpin hand in Moose Camp activities, whether on workday or catching stray puppies. Always had a good story to tell too.
Yes. John Stapp will be missed.

From Wisconsin

Eschelle Stapp

September 13, 2020

I just added a photo (provided by Stephanie) but forgot to comment. I think it really captures him at ease...at his cabin...with his dog. I will miss seeing you like that Dad and will get up there more often to help Sandy and take help care for the cabin you loved.
Eschelle