John Forrest Faulk

John Forrest Faulk

May 17, 1947 - February 08, 2024

John Forrest Faulk

May 17, 1947 - February 08, 2024

Obituary

John Forrest Faulk
May 17, 1957 – February 8, 2024

We are grateful that John affectionately known as “Papa” left this world peacefully while at home, surrounded by his beloved family. John felt blessed in life as he was survived by his loving wife, Sheryl and their beautiful family, Danielle (husband Mark), Brandon (wife Brooke), Carissa (husband Matt) and Shannon (husband Chad). John was known as a proud Papa to his 11 grandchildren Caden, Mackenzie, Wyatt, Logan, Dylan, Cooper, Lily, Cohen, Drew, Zachary, and Beau. John also leaves behind his sister Donna (husband Kent), brothers Ron, Jim (wife Becky), and Rick (wife Wanda), nieces and nephews.

John’s heavenly family includes wife Linda, son Aaron, father Forrest, mother Pearl, and nephew Eric. A Midwest boy, John grew up in Minneapolis Minnesota and Aberdeen South Dakota, later attending high school at St. Cloud Technical High School excelling in academics and all sports including as an all-star baseball player, holding school record for Pole Vault, Captain of Track Team and serving on Student Body Committees.  He was voted “Mr. Pep” for most team spirit. He earned the Eagle Award in scouting and served as President of the Explorer Post with a passion as a Conservationist. John’s faith was very important to him from a young age, and his Pastor affirmed God’s gifts in his life writing a letter of encouragement to consider the ministry.

At the age of 19, following in his father’s footsteps who was a Captain in the Navy, John enlisted in the Navy, passed all the tests, and was sworn in by his father as a future flight officer AVROC eventually entering and graduating from the Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola Florida. John was known as “Flash” in Battalion Competition due to speed in competition, and competed in Flight Athletic teams incl. Rugby, Cross Country, and Football.

He then set his sights on pursuing his true passion and calling in Special Education, returning to California, achieving his academic degrees at Cal State Fullerton and later an Administrative Degree from Cal State Long Beach. John began teaching in 1975 at Esperanza School in Mission Viejo in the 3–5-year-olds classroom with disabilities. In 1982, John led the way (even making the papers) successfully mainstreaming the first class of 5-8-year-old students with disabilities in the district onto a regular campus at Cordillera Elementary School. John also served as an educator in the Saddleback College Adult Education program for students with special needs in Physical Education, and in the classroom. He served in leadership in the Special Olympics for decades, overseeing the Orange County regional program & providing training as a swim coach among other roles. Fully retiring in 2020 after serving for nearly 46 years, John was a role model and pillar in the Special Education community consistently reflecting the highest standards of advocacy for what others can do, not what they can’t. Also, a dedicated community member on the playing field, John’s commitment to grow young athletes was witnessed in his coaching skills, building a strong work ethic in sports such as Softball, Little League, AYSO, and Club Soccer. He also was a dedicated leader serving as President of Irvine Soccer Association & V.P. of Coast Soccer League.

Of all his accomplishments, John was proudest of his close loving family. John believed one of God’s most special blessings was sharing time with family, friends and his “fur babies” at home and in the great outdoors, whether deep sea or fly fishing, snow skiing, road trips, and annual family trips. Family time was truly his greatest source of fulfillment, meaning and joy.

A man of faith, John viewed life as a gift from God to be celebrated!

Memorial Ceremony

  • Date & Time: March 2, 2024 (11:00 AM)
  • Venue: Mount Of Olives Lutheran Church
  • Location: 24772 Chrisanta Drive Mission Viejo, CA 92691 - (Get Directions)

Lewy Body Dementia Association

  • Website: https://www.lbda.org
  • Description: Address to notify the family of donations: 21302 Trivoli Mission Viejo, CA 92692

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1 responses to John Forrest Faulk

  1. So sad to hear about John from a friend today….He was my favorites boss of all time in Special Ed…Best classroom I ever worked in!

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