Robert and Debra Packer's memory from Memories of JJ
Deb remembers when Lou and John were engaged to be married. John had a job for the summer in the oil fields of Wyoming. He would often come to our house in West Point for the weekends. One of the first things he did was to move a picture of Lou to front and center of the shelf. He often talked of all of her great qualities. I know John loved his sweet wife deeply. He loved having her by his side. Bob loved having John with us during that summer. John and Bob got really close and they both thought highly of each other.
Deb remembers when she was working on Selar’s life history, John was very interested. One time John was there and about halfway through John asking Selar lots of questions, for the information as well as questions to clarify what Selar had said, we suddenly remembered to grab the tape recorder so we could get down all of the information. I think John had a hard time believing some of what Selar was telling by the way John responded to some of Selar’s answers. It was hard for many to believe because Selar’s life was so different and the Army he served in did things so differently than is done now. Selar had a hard life, but I remember how interested John was in learning about his father-in-law's life and experiences. He seemed to be interested in learning what he could about other people.
Deb knows John loved the gospel and he was very knowledgeable in its doctrine. He loved to teach and was a good teacher. He loved to serve in the church and had many callings that blessed him and his family. He loved to sing and knew how to sing on key and with expression. I think he was always in the ward choir. He went to the temple often and loved serving there. The gospel was a major part of his life. He planned family trips around the Sabbath because he felt that was one way keep the day holy.
John had a good heart. He often asked us if he could do things for us to help us out. He cared about others and was willing to help them financially as well as physically.
John was a hard worker. He made many improvements on their ranch in Klamath Falls and using his engineering skills, he always came up with cool inventions to help out at the ranch. Bob and John worked together on installing a new metal roof on Selar and Elva’s home.
Bob remembers when he and Rex, and John and Robert hiked to Table Rock. John struggled but was determined and made it all the way. It was an accomplishment for all of them. They had fun together and had a good time.
