John Robert Ellingson (Jr.)

Those wishing to view the services online may do so at the following link:

https://youtu.be/7ILGuFPOKkI

John Robert Ellingson (Jr.) passed away April 21, 2022 at his home in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 78. Born in Phoenix, Arizona on October 28, 1943 to John and Barbara (Gardner) Ellingson, he grew up in Tempe and moved to Mesa fourteen years after marrying Carma Lee Call. He lived the rest of his life in Mesa where they raised six children: J. R., David (Auburn Payne), Robert (Corinne Featherstone), Spencer (Kristi Borland), Matthew (Lara Salmon), and Caralee (Spencer Alldredge). He has twenty-two grandchildren and five siblings: Barbara Kempton (Robert), Betty Jarvis (Harley), Jay (Melody), Mons (Sally), and Mark (Marlene).

John met Carma Lee in December of 1965 and never asked another girl out after their first date. It was love at first sight for both of them and they were married on July 26, 1966 in the Mesa, Arizona Temple. His family was the great joy of his life, along with his testimony of Jesus Christ. John’s faith was unwavering and the motivating factor in his life. He served two and one-half years as a missionary in Mexico for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

John’s faith guided his decisions and made him the optimistic person he was. Totally others oriented, service was John’s hobby. He was happiest when he was making others happy and believed service was the best way to show his love of Christ. He was constantly serving others at home, church, or in the community. Active in Boy Scouts, he earned the Eagle Rank and served in that organization over a dozen years. He served in the community as a neighborhood watch leader and precinct committeeman for a dozen years. John served in many leadership positions at church and as a Temple worker. Along with Carma Lee, he served for years at the Family History Center in Mesa.

John could fix anything, was very creative, and a problem solver. He had a positive “can do” attitude that was reflected in his daily actions. He graduated from ASU and eventually started his own construction company. He was the project manager during the development of Val Vista Lakes. He also owned Cart Masters, a multi-state service company and Four Square Property Care, a landscape business.

John loved nature; his favorite vacation was going somewhere he could enjoy the majesty of God’s creations. John loved traveling with Carma Lee. Together they visited many countries and almost every state. He loved the United States and believed it was founded under God’s inspiration. He had no doubt that life was eternal and frequently shared his beliefs with us, his family.

How we loved our Papa! We are thankful he passed his faith on to us. We look forward to our heavenly reunion where he will no longer have a body ravaged by Parkinson’s Disease. We thank Papa for his happy, optimistic attitude, despite great challenges. We thank him for his legacy of being grateful, showing love, and having faith!

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Humanitarian Aid Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services).

Visitation: 6:00 p.m., Thursday, April 28th at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85203.

Memorial Service: 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 29th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1345 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85203.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.