Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1954
DIED
2015
John Wakeland Obituary
John Barnett Wakeland was born November 6, 1954 to Alan B. and Nita F. Wakeland in Beech Grove, IN. John attended Michigan Technology University and graduated from the Applied Geophysics Class of 1977 with a Bachelor's degree. He spent the next several years working in oil fields and on offshore oil rigs. He shortly thereafter transitioned to driving truck, and found a true passion for the career and continued driving for the remainder of his life. Earning several different awards over the years, John has been recognized by his supervisors, peers, and the driving community as a true professional. Most recently he was awarded the November 2015 Driver of the Month by the Utah Trucking Association. With 36 years experience he has accumulated over 4.6 million accident free miles.
In 1997 John met Christie, the love of his life, his best friend and companion and the two were wed February 28, 1998. Together John and Christie have four Children and eight granddaughters.
John was blessed in his career to be able to see his family on a regular basis. Having family on both coasts, he enjoyed his time spent with not only his family but close friends as well, having been part of both the CR England and Godfrey Trucking families. For fun, John enjoyed boating, camping, casting, golfing and anything sports related. He loved napping, watching CSI and talking politics to all who would argue with him.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Nita & Alan Wakeland and survived by his wife, Christie, his sister Karen (Ed Mowery), his brother Scott (Vicki) Wakeland, children Stephanie Felder (Brennen Knight), Adam (Jen) Wakeland, Amy (Chris) Westburg and Alicia (Bud) Travis and his eight granddaughters: Christine Marie Golden, Janie Roe Travis, Addison Nicole Travis, Katarina Viola Sophia Westburg, Sophie Isabella Wakeland, Natalia Mila Bianca Westburg, Sadie Lee Travis, and Trinity Eve Travis.
He will be greatly missed by all. In remembrance of John we would like to invite you to celebrate his life with us on Wednesday, December 9th from 4 to 6 pm at TownePlace Suites (5473 West High Market Drive, West Valley City, Utah 84120). In his memory you can buy a child that would go without a Christmas present.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Wakeland
Paul Koranda
December 9, 2015
Christie,
It was always a pleasure working with John at C. R. England. He was always willing to help. When my Mother passed away he worked through the late night lining things up & he got me Home. It really meant the world to me that you guys could have had any Trainer & you specially handpicked me to personally train your Son Adam. The last time I saw John (his truck) was in Evanston, WY. I was happy to see him (his truck) but was very respectful to let him sleep for safety & I left a note on his truck window just to say "Hi." John was a person I looked up to in the Professional Trucking Industry. I have always said to Christie "It is pretty hard being married to a Living Legend in the Trucking Industry there will always only be one JW." Team Wakeland will be missed. Thank you for your friendship.
My Sympathies Respectfully,
Val Starr
December 9, 2015
Christie;
Your Mom called on Saturday and told Uncle Ronnie the news. We were shocked and thought of you. Our prayers are with you and we do love you so much. The time we spent in Ruidoso was short but really great. John made us feel really close, he will be sorely missed. You now have another angel watching over you.
Love
Val Starr
Trace Billingsley
December 9, 2015
Breaks my heart for you Christie. Love you
Pam Dierx
December 9, 2015
JW was a wise man, he knew when someone just needed a friend. His smile was always welcoming. I know the Pepsi company is going to feel his lose for sure. Thank you for sharing your husband with us. I guess God needed another Angel to help watch over the rest of us.
donna martinez
December 8, 2015
Christie, the love between john and you was genuine, i could feel it from your Facebook picture, remember that feeling and you will always be together, all my love
Cobbley Family
December 8, 2015
We are sorry for your heartache. It's okay to hurt and have sadness. Remember the great man and sense of humor he had as well. He will be missed at gatherings for sure.
Mary Adams
December 7, 2015
John: Please know the world lost a great man that will never be replaced!! you may be gone but never forgotten!! RIP
greg homan
December 7, 2015
Christy I'm very sorry for your loss john was a good friend of mine he will be missed very much
Wilson Family
December 6, 2015
Love you and your sweet, sweet family. JW was such a sweetheart and he will be missed everyday. Wish we could be with you on Wednesday, but we will be there in spirit. xoxo
Mitchell Family
December 6, 2015
So sorry for your loss. He will always be remembered for his huge heart and his gift to love everyone. More than once he has done or said something that makes you laugh so hard you cry. He will be missed.
December 4, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. I worked with JW at CR England from 1991 to 1995. He was an awesome friend and co-worker.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in John Wakeland's name
Memorial Events
for John Wakeland
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Wakeland's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
