John Orr

John Paul Orr Firth, Idaho July 21, 1946 – August 6, 2011 After coping with melanoma for over 15 years, John Paul Orr, 65, of Firth, Idaho, left us August 6, 2011, to join Jesus Christ, his Lord and best friend, in heaven. John was born July 21, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, to Frank and Marylene Spaulding Orr. He was educated by the Detroit Catholic educational system, graduating in 1964 from Cathedral High School, where he participated in basketball, football, and baseball, achieving numerous honors and All Star teams. John attended the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, on a basketball scholarship, graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. In 1969, following basic training with the Army National Guard, he married Roxanna Gardner of Boise, whom he had met and fallen in love with at the University of Idaho. They moved to Idaho Falls, where John worked for Rogers Brothers and completed his Masters Degree in Business Administration. John worked for EG&G, Inc., at the Idaho National Laboratory as an administrative manager from 1976 to 1989. In 1989, John joined the Federal Government, working in Idaho Falls until poor health forced his retirement in March of this year. John put Jesus and his family first in his life and led his life as a man of God. He spent his life serving friends, family and the body of Christ in the name of Jesus. In 1981, John and Roxanna moved to their dream home in the country near Firth, where they raised their children, Paul and Sarah. They enjoyed their home, family, horses, dogs, and country living. John spent many years improving the home for his family. John coached several Little League baseball teams and supported Paul’s athletic activities. Many believed him to be the finest man they ever met, yet John remained humble, only believing in the power of the Lord. During his last few months, John was meditating on 2 Cor 5:15. John believed Christ died for all and was raised so that those who lived would live for Him and not continue to live for themselves. John served as an organizer and leader in Full Gospel Businessmen, arranging for out of town speakers and coordinating meetings with the mission of leading men to Christ. He ministered to people through his prophetic gifting and put everything he had into whatever he did. John is survived by his wife, Roxanne, his daughter, Sarah, son, Paul (Amy) and grandchildren: Caitlyn Knutson and Michael and Emily Orr of Idaho Falls, his brother Frank (Kathleen) of Bethesda, Maryland, two sisters, Maryanne (Phil) McAlear of Chapin, South Carolina, and Karen Orr of Morrice, Michigan, and numerous cousins. As his wife, Roxanne, I remember John as a hard worker who always delighted in providing for me and our family. He never complained and always searched for a solution to every challenge. He enjoyed taking walks in the Firth park with his dogs regardless of the weather. He loved spending time at home with me in the country where he constantly uplifted the Lord Jesus with prayer and Bible study. He gave everything a wife could ask for and supported me through my hardships and never failed to love and take care of me only the way a man of God could. I will always remember his love for Jesus and the many sacrifices he made to make my life wonderful. As his son, Paul, I remember my dad always being there for me as a boy and then into my adult life. It didn’t matter what my interest or hobby was, if I was interested in it he was too. He supported me in biking, baseball, skiing and later football; moreover, he spent all of his free time with me in playing sports, taking me camping and just having fun. He cared deeply for my family and his love for us was unending as we were blessed on a daily basis. The greatest gifts from my father to me were his devoted time, support, prayer and his legacy of love and acceptance. I currently continue to live by his example with my own family. Through his example he taught me and countless others the Gospel of Christ; that only through the cross would one experience salvation and that only by the grace of God, not the works of man, would one enter into the kingdom of heaven. I will miss him greatly, but I will carry on his legacy of love forever. As his daughter, Sarah, I remember my father as both an exceptional man and my best friend. He stood by me and loved me unconditionally. He taught me what integrity is by his example and through his support and understanding I have seen first hand that God is real. Memorial Services will be held at 12:00 Noon Thursday, August 11, 2011, at Calvary Chapel, 4250 South 25th East, with Crockett Stearns officiating. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Eastern Idaho, 1810 Moran Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83401. Interment will be in the Taylor Cemetery. A dinner for friends and family will be held at Calvary Chapel following the services.

Memorial Services -- Thursday

12 Noon ,Thursday, August 11, 2011 Calvary Chapel 4250 South 25th East Idaho Falls, ID 83401 Notes: The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road. Interment will be in the Taylor Cemetery.