John Sitton

John Allan "Jack" Sitton, 70, peacefully "slipped into the arms of his Savior" surrounded by family on July 30, 2006. Between his fighting spirit and the support of his wife, he lived a full life for 2 1/2 years after hearing he only had weeks to live. He was sustained by the prayers and support of those who knew and loved him.

Jack was born in Washtucna, Wash., on June 16, 1936, to John "Everett" Sitton and Velma Gillis Sitton. He spent his early life there with his sister Marjorie, his brother Tom and many cousins. He moved to Richland, Wash., in 1952, and graduated from Richland High School in 1954.

After working in southern California for Hughes Aircraft and the television industry, Jack moved back to the Tri Cities where he met his bride, Nancy Ann Shanks. They were married Nov. 22, 1958. Six weeks later, he was drafted by the U.S. Army. They spent two years in Washington, D.C., where Jack was assigned to the Nike Missile project.

They returned to Kennewick, Wash., in 1961, and Jack went to work as a deputy for Franklin County. In 1963, he took a patrolman/special agent position with the Northern Pacific Railroad where he served 35 years until retiring in 1998. His work for the railroad took him to Yakima, Wash., in 1982-84, and then Whitefish in 1984, where he lived until May 2006, when he and Nancy moved to Marysville, Wash., to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Jack was a member of the Whitefish Nazarene Church, where he generously volunteered and served in many areas, wherever his talents could be put to use, including Hope Ranch Ministry and Habitat for Humanity.

Jack is survived by the love of his life, Nancy; their four children and spouses, Dana and Jeff Anderson, of Sherwood, Ore., Pam and David Jackson, of Everett, Wash., Allan and Karen Sitton, of Sandy, Utah, and Holly and Chad Case, of Everett; grandchildren Julie, Kent, Kaylene, Christopher, Taylor, Kylie, Rylee, Paityn and Cody; his sister Margie; brother Tom; and many beloved relatives and friends.

A memorial service was held Aug. 7, 2006, at the Whitefish Nazarene Church in Whitefish.

Donations in honor of Jack may be made to the church's building fund.