Our beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, John Fell Squires, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2021 in Ogden, Utah. Jack was born August 17, 1931 in Logan, Utah to George Walter and Harriet Viola Harris Squires. He graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and the Biological Sciences. He served in the U.S. Army as an active duty member, as a member of the Sixth U.S. All Army Reserve Rifle Team and was an Army Reserve member until he retired after 30 years of service as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Jack married the love of his life, Ina Jean Mecham on June 11, 1952 in the Salt Lake Temple. At the time of Jean’s death, they had been married 67 years. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as a young man, served a mission to the Southwest Indian Mission. He continued to serve his church in many callings, including temple ordinance worker, counselor in the stake presidency, bishop, Church Education Missionary with his wife, Jean, in South Africa and as president of the Enugu, Nigeria mission. He most loved his calling of being a Scoutmaster for over twenty years. He assisted over 80 young men in becoming Eagle Scouts. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor given by the Theodore Roosevelt Council to recognize distinguished service.
Two of Jack’s favorite activities were hiking and fishing. He hiked over 900 miles in the Grand Canyon and all over the state of Arizona, including Aravaipa, Fossil Creek, Mount Baldy, Four Peaks, Rainbow Bridge, Weaver’s Needle, Paria Canyon, Lee’s Ferry, Reavis Ranch, Horton Springs and Bluff Spring Mountain, to name a few. A favorite saying of his was, “We put the outing in scouting”. If a body of water were nearby on any of these hikes, he had a fishing pole in hand.
Jack began his teaching career in 1968 and was a biology teacher at Apollo High School in Glendale, Arizona from 1969 until his retirement in 1993. He coached Cross Country, ran the “chain gang” at football games, worked as a starter at track meets, had many unusual animals as pets, was known by everyone as “Popcorn Jack” and was a friend to all. Men like Jack are one in a billion. You were fortunate to know him.
Jack’s wife, Jean, preceded him in death as did his brother, Harry. He is survived by his five children: Brad (Lori) Squires, of Las Vegas, Nevada; Lori (Rod) Ohmart of Pine, Arizona; Tammy (Trey) Whiting of Mesa, Arizona; Marie (Chuck) Chase of Ogden, Utah; Michael (Lara) Squires of Gilbert, Arizona; 30 grandchildren and 66 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Marcia Kay (Kent) Christensen, of Logan, Utah.
He was a great neighbor, Ward Leader, and a role model to all of us.
Mr. Squires was one of my favorite teachers. He made learning fun and was never intimidated by my many questions. I love having him as a track coach and starter for my meets. Prayers for peace and comfort for all his family and friends.
Condolences to the Squires family.
I was lucky to have Mr Squires as a teacher at Apollo. I also knew him through the Glendale Stake as a kid. My parents are Ted & Janet Davis.
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man & I’m sure he will be greatly missed.
One of the finest men I’ve ever know.
My life was enriched by his goodness and friendship!!!
He will be missed but just for a little while!!
Uncle Jack always had a twinkle in his eye, and always made you feel good about yourself. I remember at one family reunion, he invited us to go on a 3 mile hike. Surprisingly it ended up being an 8 mile hike. I was privileged to get to eat some of his famous cooked-on-the-stove-top pop corn; and hear about his fun adventures. Thank you for sharing your life and wonderful example with us. We love you Uncle Jack.
LaDeane & Mike Galloway
Jack was a special man in the lives of many. I worked with Jack for 20 years at Apollo and shared our love for Scouting. He will be sorely missed and fondly regarded.
My condolences to the Squires family. Coach Squires was kind, sincere and always exemplified happiness.
A friend to even those who didn’t want one, always smiling.
I learned to love science because of Mr Squires…to this day I encourage a love of science and biology to my children with the spirit of Mr. Squires gentle approach in my mind as I do so. What an inspirational person he was. Thank you for all you did. Rest in peace “Good and Faithful Servant “
Brother and Sister Squires played an absolutely wonderful time in my life. They will always hold a special place in my heart. God be with you.
So sorry to hear of your loss! He was definitely a favorite teacher, but reading this… WOW what a beautiful human being!! I hope he knew how Many lives he touched, and how he made this world a better place… one person at a time!! God be with you all during this time and always!
One of my favorite teachers. Rest In Peace Mr. Squires. Prayers and thoughts for your family.
Heartfelt condolences to the entire Squires Family. Jack’s influence in my youth through scouting and Christlike leadership is far reaching. How blessed I feel to have known Jack Squires.
Jack Squires made a difference for good in the lives of all he met–as a teacher, scoutmaster, leader, neighbor, family man and as my friend’s dad. His popcorn after school was legendary, and his kindness and encouragement even more so. He and his family have blessed my life in countless ways. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Heavenly Father truly set US up for success by placing Jack’s influence in our lives whether it was in Scouting, Church, in his Classroom at Apollo High School, on the Track, and pretty much anything else he had a hand in…
We just had to GRAB it… and then…”leave the place better than we found it”.
We’ll miss him deeply, but we’ll carry on his example and influence for generations to come.
Rest easy Jack. We’ll take it from here.
My condolences to all of the Squires family. A great man and a tremendous loss to his family, friends, and all the communities he touched.
A Life well-lived! Deepest Condolences to the Squires family.
He was easily my favorite and most memorable teacher at Apollo. And he was a fantastic Church and scouting leader as well. They don’t think they make them like Jack Squires anymore.
Great mission president, you will always be remembered, thanks for all the memories whiles serving in the greatest mission ever Nigeria Enugu mission !!
I knew him and his family in my youth. They were wonderful to me. John( Jack) and Jean were the very best of examples I had as a teenage convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I hope so much to see them again someday.