John J. Walworth

John was born in Flint, Michigan, and raised in Durand, Michigan. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1985 and married the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Ruthie, in 1986. He and Ruthie have one daughter, RuAnne. RuAnne married in 2018, blessing John and Ruthie with a son-in-law, Josh, and in following years, two granddaughters, Olive and Evelyn.

The Lord welcomed John home Wednesday, June 3. John was diagnosed in 2025 with a very rare and aggressive eye cancer, uveal melanoma, which later metastasized to the liver. Despite health challenges this last year, John's faith remained steadfast, as he knew he was in God's hands regardless of the outcome. This service-connected cancer ultimately cost him his life. He died serving his country, both as a civilian and as an enlisted Marine, reminding us all that freedom is certainly not free.

John's military enlistment in the U.S. Marine Corps spanned 25 years of active duty service across the globe. Service highlights include providing support to the National Security Agency after 9/11, being a member of a Mobile Training Team tasked with providing detailed instruction and demonstration to the Ukrainian National Army and Ministry of Defense in land mines and disarmament, serving as the Physical Security Engineer Chief with the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade Anti-Terrorism Unit, and serving as the Engineer Chief with Marine Forces Special Operations Command. He honorably retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2010 as a Master Sergeant.

Following military retirement, John accepted a position as Project Manager with Contrack International Inc. in Afghanistan where he worked with locals and established lifelong friendships.

In September 2012, John started a new career with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs where he honorably served fellow veterans as both a Field Examiner and later as a Supervisory Field Examiner. He retired in 2026.

Service to country, Corps and fellow man was his heartbeat.

John was grateful for the blessings in life, discovering every day is a gift, regardless of its challenges. He enjoyed riding his Indian motorcycle, antiquing with Ruthie, spending time with family, vacationing as time allowed, working on their home, journaling and reading.

For those wishing to pay their respects, John's loved ones will receive family and friends at Lewis E. Wint and Son Funeral Home in Clarkston from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, with a service to follow, honoring his memory. An option to livestream the service will be available for friends and family unable to attend in person. A burial with full military honors will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery at 2 p.m. on June 10.

In John's honor, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Please leave a memory or condolence on the online guestbook below.