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We are so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. We are thinking of you and wishing you and the kids comfort in this difficult time. Our deepest condolences.
I'm deeply saddened by the loss of JP. I enjoyed opportunities to connect with him on a project or meeting - he was always open to everyone's perspectives and genuinely wanted to know how others thought and felt about the work we were doing. He was calm, compassionate and had a wonderful sense of humor. One of the projects I had the privilege to work on with JP was building a peer support network for NWP. He was an incredible partner - someone who inspired those around him, brought people together, created space for understanding and connection, and led with his heart. I can get a bit, uh, passionate, when I'm focused on how I think something should go. JP's presence was like a grounding anchor for me in those times, reminding me that it was all going to be okay, and I could see with more clarity and peace if I just slowed down, breathing deeply and allowing space. He never said it, he was that.He'll be greatly missed.  
JP was an amazing person and outstanding colleague. He gracefully navigated complicated situations by both adhering to procedure as well as acknowledging feelings and lifting up the team. I interacted with JP in various capacities over the years and always admired how he exuded calmness, caring, humor, and positivity in all he did. I will miss him tremendously and wish peace for all who loved him during this difficult time.
Helping hands

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to JP's Fundraiser for Crisis Connections.
$22,500.00
total raised
JP was an incredible person and colleague.  I had the blessed opportunity to work with him on many occasions throughout my tenure at Kaiser NW.  He led with integrity, compassion, perspective always with a laser focus on the well-being of our staff and our members.  Always available for questions and to share time to generate ideas and solutions.  I will miss his generous nature.  My sincerest condolences to his colleagues, community, friends and families.  He leaves a legacy in our delivery of healthcare and as a leader in his capacity to engage and lead with sincerity, goodness, and positivity. 

I feel incredibly fortunate to have known a friend and colleague like JP. JP was truly one of a kind. I only wish we’d had more time, especially for his beloved family, whom he cherished so deeply. To Shanna, Nico, Mia and the rest of JP’s family I am deeply sorry for your loss, please accept my deepest condolences. JP spoke of you constantly, with such pride and love, and it was clear that you were the center of his world. I hope your memories join you together, lift you up, and carry you through this difficult time.

I’ll miss JP’s spontaneous calls and the way he could turn any moment into a joyful one with his ridiculous songs and jokes. He never missed a chance to check in about my son and family, always teasing me about my son’s switch from soccer to baseball – never giving up hope that he’d return to the pitch. Those moments of lightheartedness are treasures I’ll carry with me.

JP had a rare gift for making everyone feel truly seen, heard, and valued, and an even more divine gift of making people laugh. His ability to connect with people was extraordinary—so much so that even my nearly ten-year-old son felt the warmth and respect that JP extended to everyone. My son said, “JP was one of the best people anyone could meet. He was kind, generous, thoughtful, and very funny. He was truly a happy person.” I couldn’t agree more.

JP was a champion for all, a true friend, and a force for good in this world. His legacy of kindness, humor, and genuine care will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to know him. I will miss him dearly and will always be grateful for his friendship and the time we shared.

My deepest condolences to Shannah and the entire family. My heart truly goes out to you during this difficult time.

I had the privilege of working with JP for the past few years, and from the very first day, we connected. We spoke multiple times a day, and it quickly became clear that JP was a rare individual—someone who had the incredible ability to make every person feel like the most important person in the room.

He was funny, intelligent, thoughtful, and had the biggest heart. We were in perfect sync, and I’ve never experienced such a strong partnership before. JP was not only a great thought partner but also an amazing boss. We often joked that neither of us could retire before the other because we made such a great team.

What I will cherish forever is the memory of JP singing to my granddaughter, Nora, while she sat on my lap as JP and I “worked.” Those moments captured who he was—warm, genuine, and full of life.

This is a stark reminder to love and appreciate those around us while we can. JP will always hold a special place in my heart.

JP was the consummate, reliable, infinite friend. He will live on inside the hearts and mind of everyone he touched while he was here on earth. And in my faith, I will strive to emulate even a shadow of his spirit throughout my life in the hopes of seeing him again. 
One of the highlights of 2025 for me was getting to see JP several times a week as we worked together.  I knew he was amazing before that, but seeing him as part of so many teams, supporting people, making people laugh, centering us all... just the person you always were happy to see.  He seemingly always knew the right thing to say -- I think because he always focused on the right thing to think about: those around him.  I miss you, JP.  My thoughts are with your family.
Shannah, my heart hurts for you and your family. JP was one in a million. He made people feel seen, heard and very much cared for, even early on in a friendship.  My prayers and heart go out to you.
The LaDue family was so deeply sorry to hear of the passing of JP. We will hold your entire family in our hearts. 
There is no question that JP deeply touched the lives of everyone he encountered - his beloved family and friends, his appreciative coworkers, and countless patients.  I was honored to have worked with him with mutual patients living with chronic pain and even if less often, as his role of captain of all things educational.  I see the common thread in those sharing memories and condolences... every one who knew JP felt his warmth, compassion, and genuine interest in their well being.  Patients or coworkers - it was like he could see the essence of your soul, what made you tick, and still greeted you without judgment, but rather with unconditional positive regard.  Always greeted with a smile, humor, wit, and left you with a sense of well-being that extended beyond the brief encounter... with a sense that ok, with all that goes on in the world, with all of the hurdles life throws your way, that there is still reason for hope, still genuinely kind people like JP that make this world a better place.  I know that will not stop with JP's too-soon departure from this earth.  I had a conversation with JP recently following the passing of my beloved mother, mutually sharing our grief, loss, warm memories, and how we move forward (and I still left the conversation with a smile and feeling better about the world).  Ultimately, therefore I can say with confidence that JP would agree (even if in principle, and with regard to himself would have been eternally self-deprecating)... all of the joy and positive energy that JP brought to this world will live on through the unseen butterfly effect of every positive encounter and every warm memory that JP generated, spreading kindness through a ripple effect of subsequent infectious kindness.  That's the JP Effect, yielding a tidal wave of kindness.  Truly, my condolences.  JP was, without argument, the best of people.
We briefly and recently connected over our shared background in Mental Health, and my ability to become an LPC.  Even though he didn't have to, he offered to meet me for coffee in the new year and share his career path as an example for me, and to mentor me if needed.  I was excited for this opportunity, and wish we met up sooner.  His kindness is encouraging and maybe one day when I make it in Mental Health, I will find someone to pass it forward to.  Rest in Love.  Condolences to the family.
I have known JP for more years than I can remember and have interacted with him in many different capacities within the organization.  Each and every time I think of him, I smile.  This is his lasting legacy and effect on you.  He was always kind, warm, friendly, helpful, you felt like he was on your side or in your corner, and he was always quick with a laugh.  You left him feeling lighter, happier, better.  I am so stunned by what has happened and so sad, I barely know what to say.  If he left this impact on me, I can only imagine how much pain his family is in for the loss of his light in their life.  I am so very sorry for his way too early passing and your loss.  Please know that when we think of JP, it is always with fondness and you can't help but smile.  I would come to the funeral and pay my respects if I could but am working overnights at the hospital.  I hope the pain will lessen for you, I am sure it will with time.  He would have wanted more smiles and happiness for you than your sadness.  I. am. so. sorry.
At WSU, JP was a singularly gifted teacher and one of the best colleagues anyone could have ever asked for. He was hysterically funny but never at anyone’s expense because he was also incredibly kind at heart. I am so very sorry for your profound loss.

I was deeply saddened to hear of JP’s sudden passing. Although we had only been in occasional touch in recent years, I worked closely with him earlier on in his career at Kaiser, and those years left a lasting impression.

He always carried a genuine smile and had a calming, steady presence that made even difficult days in the Pain Clinic feel more manageable. He was clearly someone who cared deeply about others, and it is easy to see why he was so widely loved and respected.

My heart goes out to you—Shannah, Nicco and Mia—as you navigate this tremendous loss. I hope you find some comfort in knowing how positively he touched so many people, how deeply missed he is, and how fondly he is remembered.

I am still in disbelief that I will no longer get the opportunity to hear your voice providing humor, knowledge and insight into every challenge we worked on. It was very apparent in each conversation we had, just how much your family meant to you. You are leaving a big hole in the hearts of all of us that knew you and you will be greatly missed.  Godspeed my friend.  

Thank you for being the kind, funny, accepting human being who gave all of us in his orbit a good day when we interacted with him.  He gifted us with unearned generosity.  I felt on top of the world when he called me an important VIP once - so clearly I was not one and so clearly he knew how much his recognition would stay with me for years.  He had courage, kindness and unerring good judgment about what people needed.  He came into NWP during some really difficult days and managed some tricky passages.  His integrity was clear from the first time I met him many years ago now.

Jp had such a calm and inviting presence.   I learned so much from him during my motivational interviewing class. It really transformed the way I interacted with patients. For that I will be eternally grateful.  His memory will live on in my heart. May you be supported and surrounded by love in this time of grief. 
My condolences to all of JP’s family. What a great loss. I loved working with him at the KP Pain Clinic. He was very wise in helping shape a care plan for a difficult case and was such a great listener. Despite the challenges he maintained a sense of humor and supportive presence. I loved his stories about his family who he obviously adored. Rest in Peace JP for you made a big difference in tithe lives of others.❤️🙏

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John Paolo "JP" Garofalo