John Robert Carmack

John Robert Carmack, loving partner, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from a heart attack on Monday, September 3rd at the age of 74.

John was born April 13, 1944, in Glendale, California, to the late Robert “Bob” Marion and Dorothy Eloise Carmack. John grew up in Glendale and Eagle Rock, California. He attended primary schools in the Los Angeles City School District, walked the halls of Eagle Rock High School and graduated from the University of Redlands in Redlands, California with a Master’s Degree in Education. It was while attending Redlands he met his future wife, Karen Hammond with whom he had two sons, Chris and Scott. John was a man of many talents which took him through a varied career of opportunities. After twelve years in the field of education, he entered the corporate world where he honed his writing, organizational and creative skills in a variety of positions including marketing and brand development. Never afraid to take on new challenges, his storied career included designing and implementing all operations of a school in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to serving as the development officer for several non-profit organizations including St. James Cathedral and the Historical Foundation of the prestigious Rainier Club in Seattle, Washington. John's abilities gave him experiences and friendships which he treasured throughout his life.

John loved to travel and lived all over the country including California, Tennessee, Texas, New Jersey, and his beloved Seattle, Washington. He also enjoyed time in Canada and Mexico. It was while he lived in Texas that he met his life partner John Gooding with whom he shared many wonderful life experiences and adventures and for whom he held a love that was unyielding.

John loved to meet and visit with people. Whether it was with a family member, friend, or even a new acquaintance, John could always spark a conversation about politics, cooking, religion, or some current event. He had the ability to make even the most mundane topics thoroughly entertaining. John would light up a room with his personality and larger-than-life presence. His love for history, theology, languages, travel, and art kept John’s life full and interesting. Although cut short, John’s life story is rich with kindness and unconditional love. He will be missed more than words can express.

John is survived by his partner of 33 years, John Gooding of the home; sons Christopher John Carmack and girlfriend Shannon Moore and Michael Scott Carmack and wife Sandra Livingston Carmack; granddaughters Makenna Renee Carmack and Delaney Reeves Carmack all of Savannah, Texas; Karen Carmack Clinton former wife and life-long friend and her husband Norman Clinton of Denison, Texas; brother-in-law Dan Prentice of Washington, Utah; nieces Valerie Rosenfeld and husband Efrem; Patty Cordillo and husband Kim all of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Sandra Castro and husband Adam of La Verne, California; nephew Dan Maloney and wife Sandra of Upland, California. John also had extended family, friends, and co-workers throughout Washington, New Jersey, California, Canada, and Texas. John is preceded in death by his parents Bob and Dorothy; sister Joyce Prentice; grandson Caspian Christopher Carmack-Moore; and niece Jennifer Maga.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018, at 1:00 pm in the chapel of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 8011 Douglas Avenue, Dallas, Texas. A reception will be held immediately after the service in the church parlor. Private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace Bellevue, Washington, the Seattle Humane Society, the American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice.