John Allen Quarterman (Jack) of Sheridan, WY passed away Monday, August 15, 2011, in the V.A. Medical Center in Sheridan with his family by his side.

John was born on September 2, 1922, in Savannah, Georgia, to Helen (Marsden) and Lewis A. Quarterman. John was raised in a Southern Baptist home where they lived in Miami, FL until high school when the family moved to Hinesville, GA. John was a southern boy who joined the Navy at an early age during WWII. John’s heart belonged in the west after he was introduced to Wyoming by the love of his life Erin Coop. He and Erin were introduced by their best friends in Oakland, CA on a blind date. An instant attraction grew and John proposed after he was shipped out to the New Heberdis Island in the Pacific. He didn’t want to let her get away so they were married by proxy over the miles. They repeated their vows in a little California chapel, grabbing a sailor off the street and Erin’ sister to be their witnesses, when John returned. They ended up having a daughter and three sons. John served in the Navy for twenty years as a chief petty officer and the family resided from coast to coast. Three of the children were born in San Diego with Cody being the only one born in Sheridan during the blizzard of 1949. Erin quickly flew with Jackie and new baby Cody in tow to be with John in the Philippines. John and Erin always knew they loved Sheridan best and moved back “home” in 1962 after John retired from the Navy. John was a hard worker and they gradually purchased properties in Sheridan to improve upon and rent or resell. John worked for a while in Gillette on the police force and then was a Sheridan County fireman for years. He and Erin purchased the Parkway Motel in 1968 and managed it for 20 years.

John (Jack) had many interests and talents including guitar playing, writing songs, swimming, boxing, carpentry, fishing and hunting. He became a bit of a local celebrity by his uncanny resemblance to Johnny Cash. He was privileged to have met and visited with Johnny Cash several times in his life. John was known not only for his Johnny Cash voice but also his constant sense of humor. When he sang at an event he would say “hi, I’m Johnny Credit Card, no cash”. He did make several radio commercials and TV appearances over the years. He was mistaken for Johnny Cash many times including a couple of ones when news articles were written about Johnny Cash being in town. He enjoyed the resemblance but never got delusional. John never knew a stranger and always offered a bite to eat, a shirt to wear or a shoulder to cry on. He was as comfortable with the rich as the poor, the educated as the uneducated. He always remained humble and grateful for his wife, life and children.

John said when he died he wanted to be stuffed and sitting on the bench in front of the Edwards Hotel.

John was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and his brother.

John is survived by his only love Erin and four children, Jackie, Cody, Jon and Brady; seven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral service will held at 10:00am on Monday (Aug. 22nd) from First Baptist Church with Pastor John Craft officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion and Wyo. National Guard. A reception will follow with lunch at the Elks Lodge. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorial may benefit the Jon Quarterman “House fire fund”, in care of First Interstate Bank, Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.

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