John Herchel Chism

John was born on January 28, 1943, in Globe, Arizona and passed away on February 19, 2025, at Haven Healthcare. He is preceded in death by his first love Ola Belle, parents George and Ruby, brother George Chism, sisters Joyce Phillips and Louvella Coffey and granddaughter Kristin Albertsen. He is survived by his wife of 24 years Linda, his children Freddie (Cheryl) Chism and Dayna King, Linda's children Jimmy Mitchell and Amie (Stoney) Olson, and bonus daughter Shanna Bejarano. He was the proud grandfather of 13 and great-grandfather of 17. 

John was an Air Force Veteran and was very proud of his time in the military and serving his country. Following the military. he returned to Arizona where he married Ola Belle Darby (deceased in 1991) and began raising their two children. He was a carpenter by trade and spent many years working for Van Dyke Construction who contracted for the Copper Mines in the area. This led his transition to the mining industry where he worked his way up the ranks at Inspiration, Cypress, and Phelps Dodge where he retired in 2005 after more than 25 years in the industry. 

In 2000, John was blessed with a second chance at love with his wife on 24 years Linda. They were both devout Christians who shared a love for their church family at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Globe where John also served as a Deacon. One of John's favorite past times was to showcase his vocal abilities by singing in church. As a younger man, he enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and camping but never boating or swimming as he has a great fear of drowning after a childhood incident at the old Miami YMCA.

Above all else, John was a family man who adored his wife, siblings, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, as well as countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. He checked in with his kids weekly (at a minimum) to ensure that everyone was doing well. Though he was known for his strong work ethic and many skills, he considered his family to be his greatest accomplishment. He will always be remembered for his generosity, his ability to see the best in others, and love that he showed his family both immediate and extended.