John Kelley Bryant, 41, of Bagdad, Arizona passed from this life on March 18, 2017 after a year – long battle with cancer.
John was born to Terry Bryant and Karen Kelley Bryant in Mesa on March 2, 1976. He was a happy child, and enjoyed getting into mischief with the other boys in the neighborhood. John’s family relocated to Texas when he was 16. Some of his fondest memories were playing football for the Commerce Tigers and fishing at his family’s pond. John earned his Eagle Scout Award and after graduation from Commerce High School, he served a two year mission for his church – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. John returned to the Gila Valley where he worked at the local Walmart, where he met Jolyn Rhodes. His beautiful sweetheart became his wife March 16, 2001. They soon welcomed their sons Collin in January 2002 and Cameron in July 2003. After their two sons were born, the family relocated to Commerce, Texas where they could continue university studies. Two daughters, Caitlyn in February 2005, and Caleigh in July 2008, soon joined the household. John’s children were his pride and joy. He received a BPA (Bachelor of Professional Accountancy) degree from Texas A & M University-Commerce in December 2008.
John made it a priority to strengthen family ties and one of his greatest joys was to be in the midst of a family gathering. He shared great pride in his four children and their accomplishments. Fishing, hunting, and being in the outdoors gave him many hours of relaxation and being able to share those experiences with others added to his enjoyment. John made many memories with family and friends while reeling the rod. Last October he was exploring mountains around Bagdad, scouting for deer hideouts as he had been drawn for a rifle permit. Over the years he earned a reputation of being a master smoker and grillmeister. He loved people! John never met a stranger and always quickly put people at ease.
After returning to Arizona in 2011, John was employed by Freeport-McMoRan in Safford, and more recently at the Bagdad operation as an inventory controller.
John is survived by: his wife Jolyn; and four children, Collin, Cameron, Caitlyn, and Caleigh; his father, Terry Bryant; and siblings, Kevin Basham, Amy McCormick (Dave), Erin Bryant Petty, and Bart Bryant (Sammy); as well as loving in-laws, Ned & Kim Rhodes, Lyn Casey, Justin Rhodes (Laura), Erin Peters (Josh), Layton Rhodes, Shanda Richins (Reed), Alexis Overall and Brandon Overall. John is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by: his mother, Karen, in 2007.
Funeral services for John will be conducted Saturday morning, March 25, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., at the Thatcher L.D.S. Stake Center by President Todd Haynie of the Thatcher Arizona Stake. Concluding services will follow in the Gila Valley Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., at the Thatcher L.D.S. Stake Center Relief Society Room.
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
