John Gary Hamby

John Gary Hamby passed away peacefully May 23, 2019, at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland at the age of 73.  John was born November 11, 1945, in Kimberly, ID, to James R. Hamby and Julia Mae McBride Hamby.  He graduated from Kimberly high school in 1964.  John entered the U.S. Air Force in 1965 and served in Thailand and England in radio communications.  After his discharge he held various jobs until he started working for the Red Steer organization and eventually moved to Walla Walla.  When Red Steer closed, John went to work for the Washington State Penitentiary as a correctional officer and retired in 2010.

He opened his own business called A2Z Lock N Key and was very recognizable in his yellow school bus.  He retired from locksmithing in 2018.  John was introduced to Betty Asbjornsen by friends who thought they would be good golf partners.  John and Betty married on May 7, 2005.

John had many interests including golfing, karaoke, yard saleing, cruising, reading and spending time with family and friends.  On Thursday evenings he would attend bible study.  He also enjoyed keeping his booth at the Country Store supplied with various items.  John was known for his generosity, sense of humor and strong moral compass.

He is survived by his wife Betty; step-daughter, Tammy (David); sister Annette Tarpinian; brothers James (Susan) and Walter aka “Red”; and numerous cousins and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, June 9, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Blue Mountain Community Church, 928 Sturm Avenue, Walla Walla.  A Life Celebration Open House will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019 from 2 -4 P.M. at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Rd. in Twin Falls.  

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Blue Mountain Community Church, Christian Aid Center or the Walla Walla Humane Society through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA.