John Pendlebury

John William Pendlebury, 78,  passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025 at his home.

John was born in 1946 in Blackfoot, Idaho, to James and Mary Pendlebury. He spent his early years in Idaho, Utah, and California, before graduating high school from West Anchorage High School in Alaska. He always cherished his memories living in Cobalt, Idaho where his father worked as a safety officer at the Cobalt mine. In high school he was a two time state heavyweight champion in wrestling in addition to participation in other sports.

Upon graduation from high school, where he excelled in mathematics and science, John joined the navy and was selected to participate in the nuclear training program. While in training he met the love of his life, Shirley, while she was working at the A&W restaurant in Pocatello, Idaho. They married and soon began their family, having 5 wonderful children.

John served during the Vietnam war on the submarine USS James Madison as a nuclear reactor operator and developed a love for submarines during his service. Upon fulfilling his enlistment he began work in nuclear power, first as a commercial reactor operator and then later as a training professional for nuclear power operators. His employment took him across the country with years spent in Idaho, Connecticut, South Carolina, Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, New York, Minnesota, Georgia, and Washington before finally retiring and settling down in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He always said he wanted his children to experience the country state by state.

Always with a quick wit, he enjoyed talking with everybody and always had a joke to share, even with those he just met. He loved his job as a trainer, including the groans from his instructees as he would pass on jokes, both good and bad, and enjoyed meeting with his students after class as they would share jokes and stories with him. Even as his health began to fail he would make a point to bring a smile to his medical care providers' faces whenever they met with him. Humor was his superpower!

John loved his family, spending time with them, telling stories, and sharing experiences. He was a lifelong Detroit Lions fan and followed them throughout his life. He was proud of his Scottish heritage from his mother, who was born in Scotland. He loved to read, especially historical stories and Tom Clancy novels. A convert to the LDS church at the age of thirty, he remained an active member throughout his life, including serving numerous years as a Young Men's President, Ward Mission Leader, Branch President, and High Priests Group Leader. He was also a member of multiple bishoprics.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley; children, Tamara (Kernan) Longua, Drew (Angela) Pendlebury, David (Jamie) Pendlebury, Dan (Josie) Pendlebury, and Brandon (Erin) Pendlebury; 16 grandchildren, Marissa, Sam, Easton, Max, James, Paisley, Addi, Avery, Britton, Jace, Braylee, Madden, Quaid, Emily, Mollie, and Gram.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Pendlebury (McIntosh); father, James Pendlebury; younger brother, Dennis Pendlebury; and son-in-law, Kernan Longua.

The family extends a heartfelt Thank You to all of the medical and care providers who have worked with him over the past years, as well as all of the many friends and family who brightened his day with their visits and phone calls.

The family will visit with friends 11:30 – 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge Avenue). Burial will be at 3 p.m. in the Blackfoot Veterans Cemetery where military honors will be performed by the Idaho Honor Guard and Bingham County Veterans Team.