Age 62, passed away on October 20th, 2016. He was born on November 21,1953 in Elmhurst, Illinois to William and Maxine Scheuermann. His family moved to Whittier in 1955 where he spent his childhood exploring the Puente Hills, playing baseball and working on cars with his father. He graduated from California High School in 1971. In his twenties, John could be found with motorcycles in tow as he raced with the Rovers in the surrounding desert areas. He moved to Lahaina, Maui, and then to the Big Island of Hawaii, establishing a lifelong love of the Hawaiian Islands. John was an avid runner and completed the Honolulu, Los Angeles, and Big Sur marathons numerous times in less than 3 hours. At the young age of 37, he was diagnosed with throat cancer leading to a history of health challenges. In 1993 John married Lee Failing in Santa Barbara. He started his own business as a general contractor in 1994, specializing in fine woodwork and carpentry. These skills were culminated by his single handed construction of a family cabin on 40 acres in Monterey County. Going to "The Property" was a highlight in John's life for many years.

John's children, Elise and James, were his greatest achievement and loves of his life. He was a dedicated father coaching baseball and soccer. He passed on his passion for riding motorcycles to his son, James, through many rides along Camino Cielo into our backcountry.

James recalls:"My dad refused to let his health setbacks hinder his active lifestyle. Even into his 60's, my dad would throw his leg over a dirt bike or be more than willing to crawl under my truck and help me wrench on something. He was a strong fighter and he always made the best from what he faced. I am proud to call him my father."

Elise fondly remembers family trips to Hawaii and camping excursions. John taught her a lot about life, but the most important lesson he taught her was to "never give up". John's two children are a testament to his strong will and love of family, as he always supported them in all their endeavors.

The last 10 years of John's life were challenging and we are grateful to have had him for as long as we did. When his ability to continue working was diminished, he volunteered at the Santa Barbara Food Bank and discovered his gardening green thumb. He is survived by his wife, Lee Scheuermann, daughter Elise Scheuermann (22), son James Scheuermann (21) of Santa Barbara, CA, and sister Julie Scheuermann of Alta Loma, CA.

Contributions can be made in his name to Jodi House, a center for brain injury survivors, at 625 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101  (805)-563-2882

We ask friends and family to join us for John's memorial at 3pm on November 23rd, All Saints by-the-Sea Episcopal Church.