John Richard Stubbs' Obituary
John R. Stubbs
June 9, 1929 - October 7, 2021
John R. Stubbs, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on October 7, 2021 at the age of 92. John was a devoted family man with a joyous sense of humor, an enthusiastic educator, singer and ardent believer in daily exercise.
John was born to Charlotte and Maynard Stubbs and raised in southeastern Ohio with his older brother, William "Bill" Stubbs. John graduated from Barnsville High School and earned a music scholarship to Jordan Conservatory of Music, where he met the love of his life, Carol Sauders. They had a romantic courtship, and married December 23, 1950, while John was on leave from the US Navy. After bootcamp, where John earned Honor Cadet, he served on a destroyer as the ship's purser, stationed out of Coronado. They moved to Redlands, California where John worked as an accountant and attended University of Redlands to earn a teaching credential and later a Masters of Education. His first teaching job was at Cope Jr High and he knew public education was his true calling. After having three children, they moved to Northern California where John become a school administrator. In 1972, they moved to Escondido, and John served Escondido Union Elementary School District for an additional 30 years as principal of Orange Glen Jr. High, founding principal of Hidden Valley Middle School and finished his career as principal of Juniper Elementary.
Besides his family, John's other passions included daily exercise and music. He kept detailed journals for over three decades detailing runs, races and goals. This included two marathons, dozens of half marathons and over a hundred 10K races. After retirement, he enjoyed singing for various church and community organizations, attending school and church functions of his grandchildren, and living life to the fullest. He always counted his wife and family as his greatest gifts.
John is survived by his wife Carol; his children, Eric (Trudi) Stubbs, Mary (David) Bunker, and Rich (Joanie) Stubbs; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. John's dynamic impact on their lives and the memories they share, will forever keep his spirit alive. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, December 29 at 2pm.
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