John Becker

John Becker, 86, was born in Olympia, WA.   He was an only child who was raised in Tumwater, WA by his parents John Becker and Inez Sawyer.  After high school he served in the Army/Air Force.  He served in Japan, Topeka, KS and Oxnard, CA.  During his service in Kansas, he married Imogene Nutt and adopted her two children Linda and James. 

After his service, his career took off in the banking industry.  He moved to Arizona in the late sixties and worked for Valley National Bank.  He became self-employed with the help of two of his customers Mr. Smiley and Mr. Johnson, who gave him a loan to invest in property.   His first purchases were a trailer park and the Vista Motel on Grand Avenue in Arizona.

His hobbies were golf, bowling, traveling and fishing.  He loved to travel by RV and spent many summers fishing for salmon in Canada.  He also enjoyed technology.  He always had the newest and the biggest.

Even though he was a big tough guy, he always held a place in his heart for the underdog.  He was generous, witty, smart and charismatic.

John is survived by his dog Maggie, granddaughter Kim Calkins, grand son-in-law Don Calkins, and great grandson Ryan Calkins.

He is preceded in death by his wives Imogene and Ginny, and his children Linda and James.   We cannot forget his dogs, Pee Wee, Patsy, Fred and Frankie.

He passed away a few months after being diagnosed with bone cancer.  No services are planned.  Donations can be made in John’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, Hospice of the Valley and any veteran’s programs or animal shelters.  His remains will be interned at the National Memorial Cemetery, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ.


All of us at Smart Cremation offer our sincere condolences to family and friends as we pay tribute. Please add your own memories and photos or light a candle to express your own thoughts to the family.