John Garner Obituary

JOHN SIDNEY GARNER John Sidney Garner, age 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at his home in Medford. Born April 30, 1948, in Grants Pass to Eleanor and Sidney Garner, John graduated from Grants Pass High School in 1966. He played trumpet and was a proud member of the school's marching band. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served a year in Vietnam, working in the Communication Center. When he returned home, he enrolled at Merritt Davis Business School, where he met the love of his life, Kathy. They were married on May 1, 1971, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Medford. John began his career at American Steel, where he worked for twelve years until the company closed. He and Kathy then took on the adventure of owning Sir Speedy Printing Center, where John immersed himself in learning the ins and outs of the printing business. After selling the business twelve years later, he continued his printing career at Southern Oregon Printing and later, at Minuteman Press. Outside of work, John had a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. He especially loved working in his yard and tending to his flowers. His well-manicured lawn and colorful blooms were a source of pride and often the envy of family, friends and neighbors. He was an active member of Shepherd of the Valley and the Knights of Columbus participating in the 4th of July food booth in the park and the annual Christmas tree sales every holiday season. John is survived by his wife, Kathy, and their two daughters: Shannon (Shawn) Haning and Cheryl (Rob) Chisholm, both of Medford and his beloved grandson, Trenton Lewis. He also leaves behind his sisters, Jo Ann Breedlove of Grants Pass and Adelaide Sanders of Jonesville, South Carolina, along with many nieces and nephews who meant a great deal to him. John was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Eleanor, and his sister, Susie Madison. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, July 24th at 10am at Shepherd of the Valley Catholic Church in Central Point. A reception will follow in the church hall where all are welcome to gather and remember John's life with warmth and gratitude. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.