John Russell Stebbins Obituary    -     February 26, 1954 – October 26, 2022

John passed away unexpectedly in Sun City, Arizona, on October 26, 2022. He suffered internal bleeding as the result of a fall during a yearly family waterski vacation in Lake Havasu, Arizona. Lake Havasu was one of John’s most favorite places on earth and the location of family vacations for 47 years. His favorite mantra, especially out on the lake was, “I’m on VACATION! After a 2 ½ week fight for his life, John slipped gently, without pain, into the arms of God, having lived a passionate and meaningful life.

John was born in Whittier California on February 26, 1954 to James Frederick and Elizabeth Joseph Stebbins. He had an adopted older brother, Jimmy, and a half-brother, Jason. Jimmy passed away when John was sixteen. His father passed away in 1985 and his mother passed away just before he passed away in March 2022. He enjoyed water and snow skiing, racquet ball, tennis, football, running and was a softball coach for his children.

John grew up in Corona del Mar, California. He attended St. Catherine’s Military School in Anaheim and Corona del Mar High School in Corona del Mar where he lettered in wrestling and football.

John attended the University of Southern California in Los Angeles where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He transferred to Northern Arizona University on a wrestling scholarship, was active in numerous leader positions in the Kappa Sigma fraternity including President, Inter-Fraternity Council President (IFC), Order of Omega National Honor Society, Blue Key National Honor Society and Archons. John graduated in 1977 with a duo degree in Chemistry & Biology.

John was committed to his family, friends and all who had the opportunity to cross paths with him. His gentle soul & caring demeanor resonated with his Kappa Sigma creed:

“The Star and Crescent shall not be worn by every man but only by him who is worthy to wear it. He must be a gentleman.. A man of honor and courage. A man of zeal, yet humble…an intelligent man…a man of truth...one who tempers action with wisdom and above all else, one who walks in the light of God”

No truer words can describe him and his lifelong testament to these words.

John worked his way through college by cooking in the hospitality industry. In the summer of 1975, he met his wife, Jill Attebery at the Jolly Roger Restaurant on Balboa Island. They started dating in the summer of 1976 and married in May of 1978. Together they were blessed with two daughters, raising them in Laguna Niguel, California. His loves of his life were his daughters, Jessica and Brittny. Through many moves from Newport Beach, to Sacramento, to Palm Desert, and back to Southern California, they weaved their way, creating an active life full of water skiing, snow skiing, golf, tennis and running as well as supporting their children’s interest in soccer, volleyball, softball, cheerleading and drama.

After college John worked for Greentree Labs where he was able to put his chemistry degree to work. Not receiving the challenge he had hoped for, he made a change to the hospitality industry. He worked for the Rusty Pelican restaurant company where he discovered his passion for management and then for succession planning. The Rusty Pelican and his mentor, owner Pete Siracusa, made an impression on him and that continued throughout his career. He had a heightened sense of pride and integrity that complimented his already strong work ethic. That was what he recognized in that company that he so loved and what made him such a success in his career.

He carried his expertise to Collins Foods where he was the Corporate Director of Training & Director of Operations for the Red Robin chain. From there he was offered a position with ClubCorp, a country club company where he climbed the ladder to Vice-president of People Strategy and developed their management training program. He won many awards for influencing and developing leaders within each company he worked for yet he would say that his most thrilling moment was meeting Nelson Mandela and having a short conversation with such an advocate for human rights.

Later life took him to East/West Partners Resorts and from there, Fort Collins Country Club in Colorado. His last position was one of his favorites at Mount Vernon Canyon Club in Colorado.

John was all about the spirit of giving and teamwork. He was very involved with the Special Olympics as a volunteer for their events. It was important to him to help make the community a more welcoming and accepting place.

John had started his exit strategy to retire in March 2023 when God had other plans. His focus was about to change from career to playing golf, tennis, interacting more with his grandchildren and was hoping to get a part time job at the aquarium in Phoenix.

John is survived by his best friend & beloved wife, Jill (who until the end referred to her as his bride), daughters: Jessica Wheeler (Matt), Brittny Billings (Brad) and grandchildren: Avery, Morgan, Wesley, Quinlynn, and Capri. He was also step grandfather to Carter & Emma Billings. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, friend and son as well as supporter of all that he touched.

John leaves behind a legacy of encouraging & coaching others, helping them fulfill their hopes and dreams and supporting and rooting for the underdog. John leaves behind a legacy of encouraging & coaching others, helping them fulfill their hopes and dreams and supporting and rooting for the underdog. He was fiercely loyal and protective of his family and friends. His infectious smile, love, and optimistic enthusiasm will be missed by so many! 

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