On Tuesday, November 23, 2021, God called John Anthony Carlin home at the age of 58 after a valiant six-year battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. John was born on November 17, 1963 in San Gabriel, CA to Jim and Lynne Carlin. He was the oldest brother to Patrick, Kevin and Chris and grew up in southern California with a love for the beach and sports.

After high school he helped launch a surfwear company called, “Rip It Up!” John then embarked on a lifelong career pursuing his other passion; sports. John started off in the industry announcing football games at Saddleback College and doing voice overs. This led him to an opportunity behind the scenes at the Orange County News Channel. He then moved on to working with Roy Firestone and Chris Myers at, “Up Close” at ESPN. John then moved on to book guests for, “The Best Damn Sports Show Period” at Fox. When Jimmy Kimmel took his talent to Late Night, John was one of the first employees hired and he has been a part of the Jimmy Kimmel Live! team since then booking sports guests and managing corporate brand integrations.

Working in Hollywood can be difficult, but John has frequently been referred to as, “The Nicest Guy in Hollywood.” His compassion for others can be attributed to the love he received from his family and his unwavering faith in God. John placed a tremendous value on relationships looking for what he could give people he worked with, rather than what he could take. His unique style made him a favorite with athletes, agents and corporate partners who helped bring many memorable moments to Jimmy Kimmel Live!

John never saw a second-hand store that he didn’t feel was worth his patronage. He loved shopping, but his passion was shopping for others. Friends and family alike know John’s charitable nature all too well as he would frequently surprise them with personalized gifts in just their size during visits. A number of resale shops and the auction giant eBay are rumored to be adjusting fourth quarter earnings projections on word of John’s passing. He loved spending his personal income on gifts for others and shopping for them. John loved art and was passionate about different paintings he acquired throughout his life and he was so proud of displaying them all when he moved to Irvine from Los Angeles to share with guests.

While some would call him a “foodie” because of his love for restaurants, what he really loved about dining out was time with his friends. John had a variety of go-to locations in Los Angeles, but the food never tasted as good unless it was paired with the company of his closest friends and business associates. Both John and his father Jim shared a lifelong love for Notre Dame Football and the pair delighted in many memorable seasons, attending games across America, watching the Fighting Irish march to victory. What people will likely remember the most about John was his incredible sense of humor. He was amazingly quick with one-liners and zingers that entertained friends, family and co-workers alike.

In 2016 he was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) which is a rare neurological disorder causing the loss of muscle control affecting the patient’s ability to move, speak and breathe. He lost the ability to use his arms first and then his legs. It seemed like each week ALS would take something new from John, but he was resilient, strong and positive through all the adversity. John continued to work till the day he passed away and he adored everyone he worked with at the show.

He was able to help many others afflicted with ALS by launching the Jimmy Kimmel ALS Charity Initiative in 2019. Major League Baseball partnered with John for their winter meetings in 2019 to raise money for ALS Charities. In 2020 John was honored by Upper Deck trading cards with his very own Heroic Inspirations trading card. John was passionate about helping others and his family has been blown away by the many tales of John’s charitable nature with people many would turn a blind eye towards.

John was preceded in death by his cherished grandmother Rosemary and his beloved aunt Eleonore. He is survived by his father Jim, his mother Lynne, his brothers Patrick, Kevin and Chris, his uncle Ross, his aunt Maureen, his cousin Scott, Jill and Wendy, his sister-in-laws Denise and Elizabeth, his niece Taylor and his nephews Sean, James and Drew. Both John and his family would also like to thank his caregiver Andrew for his support and friendship over the years.

Two Memorial Services have been planned to celebrate the life of John Carlin with details listed below:

Los Angeles Memorial for John Carlin – Primarily for those who worked with John in LA and for friends who knew John in the area, but all who knew and loved John are welcome.

Friday, December 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. PST

Griffith Park

Merry Go Round Lot Two

4730 Crystal Springs Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90027

Notes: Memorial service will be outside with areas of shade and will be non-denominational. Please RSVP Here: https://docs.google.com/forms…. If you are unable to attend, you can watch the memorial service here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7sCMICahPM

Orange County Memorial for John Carlin – Primarily for the family of John and friends who knew John in Orange County and San Diego, but all who knew and loved John are welcome.

Friday, December 17, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. PST

Santiago de Compostela Catholic Church

21682 Lake Forest Drive

Lake Forest, CA 92630

Notes: Catholic Funeral Mass held inside with a reception onsite to follow. There will be a livestream of the service as well: https://bit.ly/3F1zGxJ

In lieu of flowers the Carlin family would request a donation be made to Dr. Merit Cudkowicz’s program to find a cure for ALS at the Healey Center: https://bit.ly/3G9Utzq

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