John James Sumerlin

John James Sumerlin, 74, of Walla Walla, passed away on January 24, 2018, at his home in Walla Walla.

John was born in Walla Walla, on January 11, 1944, to Charles Wesley (Wes) Sumerlin and Natalie Leonetti Sumerlin. He attended grade school at Washington School and high school at DeSales. John was married in 1960 and entered the Air Force at 17. He was a fire protection specialist and stationed at Fairchild AFB, and Fort George Wright, both in Spokane. He had four children to his first marriage. He married Sarah (Sally) Hults Sumerlin on Dec. 21, 1968. They would have celebrated their 50th anniversary this year.

After his discharge from the military, John was living in Joseph, Oregon. It was there working as a ranch hand that he decided he wanted to rodeo. Initially, he got on some saddle broncs but changed that to riding bulls. John was a member of the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association). In later years he took up team roping and judging rodeos. In the ‘70s John took up endurance riding and was a member of the AERC (American Endurance Ride Conference), founded a Northwest chapter of endurance riders PNER (Pacific Northwest Endurance Riders). He won the AERC National Championship in 1976. John got a job with Pringle Power-Vac, Inc. as a salesman and eventually, he and his wife purchased the business. He retired from that business in 1995.

John is survived by four children from his first marriage, John Wesley Sumerlin (Keta), Kimberly Irene Langis, Julie Diane Sumerlin, and Kevin Douglas Sumerlin (Sharon). He is survived by three children with his wife Sarah (Sally), Jody James Sumerlin (Cary), Jarrod Jason Sumerlin (Mary), and Jeremy Lee Sumerlin (Amber). He is survived by 35 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. John also is survived by a god daughter, Rene’ Groom (Thomas) and son David Thomas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Wesley Sumerlin and Natalie Louise Sumerlin; a sister, Anita Louise Kilmer; and a daughter-in-law, (daughter) Jennifer Sumerlin.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00PM, February 3, 2018 at the Blue Mountain Community Church in Walla Walla. Personal family friend Don Reed will be officiating.

Memorial Contributions may be made in his honor to Walla Walla Community Hospice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. 99362