John David Beery

John David Beery was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on May 2nd, 2023 after a long battle with prostate cancer. John died at home, surrounded by family and friends singing Amazing Grace.

John was born on December 6th, 1949 in Boise, Idaho to John (Jack) and Bernice Beery. He was joined by a brother, Lon, in 1951. He lived in Boise his whole life, attending Lowell Elementary school, North Junior High, and graduated from Boise High in 1968.  He talked often of his newspaper route during his growing up years and bragged about saving enough money for a rifle or for his first motorcycle. He often told stories of working at Springer Hardware in downtown Boise when he was young. John joined the Idaho Air National Guard and graduated from the Air Force technical training course with honors in the automotive repair course. He joined the Navy, attended flight school in Pensacola, Florida, was honorably discharged, and headed back to the Idaho mountains. As he was flying home from Florida, John said his heart ached to get out and kiss the ground of his home state. He loved living in Idaho! John graduated from Boise State University in 1975 with a degree in Industrial Business. In 1976, he joined the Boise City Fire Department, where he worked until 2002. John retired as a captain and considered the Boise Fire Department his extended family.

In 1981, John met Gloria Loomis in her hometown of Donnelly, Idaho. On July 17, 1982, they were married at DayStar, a Bible conference grounds in Donnelly. Marrying Gloria expanded his circle of friends as John often remarked, “it was like taking hold of the tail of a comet when I married Gloria.” John and Gloria adopted two children, Hannah in 1987 and Nathan in 1989. They lived in Boise their entire marriage of almost 41 years. John and Gloria were able to travel much of the western US after John’s cancer diagnosis, which brought great joy to both of them.

John loved the outdoors! He was a ski patrolman for many years. He loved hunting, fishing, running and hiking the foothills until his body couldn’t tolerate it anymore. He mountain biked and rode motorcycles with his friends. He loved to observe wildlife, especially birds. He loved to repair anything, but mostly things with motors. He said it was his therapy. John spent hours sitting in the driveway of his Boise or Donnelly home, with a beer or a glass of wine in hand, just observing everything about being outdoors.

John was a member of Cole Community Church, having met the Lord in his 20’s. He was active in men’s studies, family groups, and the support of global outreach workers. John went on two mission trips. He grew in his faith under the teaching of three men that had great impact on his spiritual life: David Roper, Kris Rudell, and Brian Reese.

John will be missed for his dry sense of humor and quick wit, his commitment to his family and friends, his love for the outdoors, as well as his playful attitude (particularly with his grandsons), and his love for the Lord.

He was preceded in death by his brother Lon Beery in 1998, and his parents John (Jack) and Bernice Beery in 2004. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Beery, daughter Hannah (Casey) McDonald, son (John) Nathan Beery, three grandsons Jacob, Jack and Henry, nephew Lon Derek Beery, great nieces Kelsey Beery and Tasha Sizemore, and one great great niece and one great great nephew, two uncles and multiple cousins.

Services will be held at the family home (7171 N. Bogart Ln, Boise) on May 13th at 2 pm (parking behind the home). Gifts may be given to the Boise Fire Department burnout fund or Cole Community Global Outreach program or a charity of your choice.