John Harold Saulsbury January 12, 1945 to September 9, 2020

John Harold Saulsbury

January 12, 1945 to September 9, 2020

John was born in San Mateo, California, on January 12, 1945, to Ace and Inamay Saulsbury. He had an older sister, Judy.

John grew up, moving to many different cities, as his dad was in bridge construction.

He graduated from high school in Trenton, Missouri, in 1963, where he was known as quite the athlete. John played baseball, basketball, and football, where he earned the title of a “craggy faced youth.”

John went on to play football at SW Missouri State, before he transferred to Central Missouri State and met the love of his life!

Two weeks after he married Joyce, he volunteered for the draft, but was turned down due to his knees.

John went back to college, until he started a career in law enforcement, where he worked part-time for the Sedalia Police department. In 1970, he went full time with the Raytown, Missouri, department.

John left law enforcement and started working, as a shift supervisor at Yellow Freight in 1976.

In 1985, he accepted a transfer to Portland, Oregon, and he and Joyce moved the family out west, settling in Battle Ground.

John was medically retired from Yellow Freight in 2001.

He loved fishing, shooting, camping, traveling, riding motorcycles, the Kansas City Chiefs, college football, and voicing his opinion on politics.

John found great joy in watching his oldest son, Jay, ride motorcycles, and he admired his grace. Especially, when it came to loading the Harley in the back of the pickup using a 2×4 as a ramp, or riding at the speed of light to get the last hotel room!

John bragged about his younger son, Jake, and how he could out fish anyone in the boat. Bait or no bait, he would catch them!

He, also loved to attend his grandson Sumner’s football games and wrestling meets. He was so proud of him and one of his biggest fans. He often talked about Sumner and loved to spend time with him.

John was so proud of his sons, both of whom served in the US Army.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joyce; his two sons, Jay and Jake; his daughter in law Kristi; grandson, Sumner, and his wife, Kayla; four nieces; and his uncles and aunts, Bill and Rita Brunk of Lancaster, Missouri, and Jim and Eleanor Saulsbury, of Rockford, Illinois.

He was admired, as a supervisor at work and a genuine friend. John stood his ground on his beliefs, but would give you the last nickel in his pocket. His smile and snort, among other things will be missed, but the memories we have will last forever.

Rest in Peace Dad – you were an amazing husband, dad, and grandpa! We love you!