2 weeks Ago
Birth: 1941 Death: 2024 John Stanley Huffman, a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on Thanksgiving morning, November 28, 2024 at Dominican Hospital. John was born on June 4, 1941 at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz to Mr. and Mrs.
Stanley and Genevieve (Lima) Huffman. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Karen B. Huffman, as well as his three children Sabrina (Huffman) Michaelis (Casey) of Santa Cruz, CA, Aaron Huffman (Tara) of Mill Valley, CA, and Garrett Huffman (Carolyn) of Houston, TX, plus five grandchildren, Jack, Colby & Lia Michaelis, and Austin & Luke Huffman.
John lived a full life as a second generation Santa Cruz local and was committed to giving back to the community that helped shape him. He grew up in Pasatiempo, attended Holy Cross School from kindergarten through high school graduating in 1959. He attended Santa Clara University and graduated in 1963 with a degree in business.
After college, he enlisted in the United States Navy, becoming a navigator aboard the USS Eversole (DD-789). He served three tours of duty in Vietnam from April 1964 until March 1967, and was awarded a bronze star for his service. Upon his return from the Navy, John married Karen (Bullock) on August 13, 1967 in Hayward, CA.
After his father’s sudden death in early 1967, John assumed the role of president of the family business, the Credit Bureau of Santa Cruz County, at the age of 26. For the next 40+ years, John continued to grow and manage the business in Santa Cruz until his retirement. John was an active member of the community and a dedicated Rotarian for over 50 years.
He served as the Santa Cruz Rotary Club President during the earthquake of 1989. He volunteered and served on multiple committees, such as the Downtown Association, and was a member of the Santa Cruz Symphony. John and his wife were avid boaters, spending time in the Sacramento delta and traveling through the waterways of British Columbia, Canada post retirement.
John enjoyed spending time with family and friends, celebrating holidays, weddings and graduations. He enjoyed playing golf, taking daily walks in the neighborhood, attending weekly Rotary meetings, and loved playing the piano nightly before dinner. He was a lifelong San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors fan.
A funeral service in celebration of John’s life will be held on December 19, 2024 at 11:30 am at Holy Cross Church at 126 High Street in Santa Cruz. A reception will immediately follow. The details will be provided at the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Santa Cruz Rotary Club, Dominican Hospital Foundation, or the local Alzheimer’s Association chapter. The Huffman Family would like to thank the doctors & nurses at Dominican Hospital, as well as his home caregivers, neighbors, family, and friends for their continuous care and support. Rest in peace “Papa Huff”.
You will be deeply missed, but forever cherished in our hearts. Honor with Flowers In memory of John Stanley Plant a Living Memorial In memory of John Stanley.
