John Lawrence Redden

It is our heaviest of hearts, much love and adoration that we mourn

the peaceful passing of John Redden, of Moscow, Idaho at the age of 67.

He departed from his earthly home, with family by his side, on September 25th, 2024 to enter into the Kingdom of God and into the arms of his Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ.

He was a devoted, loving husband, father, father in- law, grandfather, son, son in law, brother, brother in-law, uncle, great uncle, nephew, and cousin. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 40 years, Judy, children: Chris (Ash) Redden, Mike (Jay) Redden, stepchildren Leilani James, Kevin (Andrea) James, grandchildren: Sarina McGee (Jacob), Valarie James (fiancé, Josh Young), Jesse James, Cody James, and Sawyer Redden, sister Kelly Redden-Rowley (Ian), nieces: Dani Canon, Ashley (Jeff) Ritter, great nephews and a great niece. He will be dearly missed by numerous family members and friends including his parish faith family at the Moscow Church of the Nazarene.

He was preceded in death by his loving sister, Peggy Redden-Canon, and parents Retired U.S. Navy Captain Lawrence E. Redden and Lynn Redden.

John was born in Honolulu, Oahu.  His family moved around due to his father’s career in the military.  He was 13 years old when they moved back to Oahu.  Island life was his playground; he loved surfing, hiking, fishing, camping, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.  John enjoyed music and played the electric bass guitar. He graduated from Kailua High School and followed his passion for gardening and landscaping for his career. He met his soulmate Judy and chose to love not only Judy but her two young children Leilani and Kevin James, where they made their home in Ka’a’awa, Oahu. A few years later they welcomed the birth of their son Christopher and later the birth of their second son Michael.  John and Judy were married on May 5, 1990 in Hau’ula, Oahu at “Pat’s at Punalu’u”.  Their home flowed easily with love, laughter, and many adventures.

He grew the most beautiful hybrid roses, propagated plants and created artistic bonsai plants.  John taught us to honor the land and all of God’s creations, respect, honor and love the family, and to love Jesus.  John continually encouraged our faith in God through life’s lessons.  For instance: to not fear, thunderstorms/hurricanes as they are a witness of God’s power and that strength comes from adversities; to always reach for the stars, and if you happen to be hung up on a plumeria tree branch, smile, and laugh, as laughter is a sure way to attract people to you; be kind to all God’s creatures, even the annoying neighborhood chickens don’t like stones thrown at them, so take the time to sing and talk to them while under a tree, as they need love too; never slam a door when mad because you will be left without a door to open and walk through; when you refuse to go to church as a teen, that’s okay because God still loves you and has a plan which will bloom in your adult life and lead you to become a Youth Pastor; when you’re told the odds are against you, hold steadfast to your faith and “little” blessed miracles will be born and if a miracle does not happen, remember to keep moving forward, God’s path will bring you to what he wills for you in life.  John consistently showed Christ’s love through his words, actions, and deeds.  When he welcomed you into his home to join in family gatherings, you were considered a part of his ohana (family).

John moved his family from Oahu to Moscow, Idaho in the mid 1990’s.  He worked at SEL, then followed his passion for gardening/landscaping and began working at the University of Idaho as a Groundskeeper. He continued to find joy in his life through: reading, watercolor painting, baking and cooking, cooking and baking shows, playing and caring for his beloved pets, family games like ping pong, and card games, gardening in his yard, picnics, attending church weekly and their special events, and reading scripture; he brought many of his family members closer to God and found profound joy seeing their faith grow. He enjoyed, Saturday family dinners and his silliness, big smile and laugh were contagious. He also enjoyed going on adventures close to home. He recently started writing and illustrating a book for his newest grandson Sawyer.

John shared his bright light with so many and he led his life with great humility, grace, love, patience, determination, perseverance, compassion, and so much more.  He never complained, nor took anything for granted; despite his medical conditions he praised God always and made sure that each family member knew of his love and deep appreciation. When he was able to attend his children’s and grandchildren’s events, he did so happily; when he was unable, he was quick to tell us how proud he was of us.

John lived his life faithfully, he was a true disciple of Jesus here on Earth and when he prayed before each meal you felt his heart and soul pour out and at times food would get cold, but that was okay, because he loved praising and thanking the Lord for all that he had. He had three homes: Oahu, Moscow, Idaho, and Heaven.  We can see him in great awe in the Kingdom of Heaven face to face with Jesus, thanking him for the life and family he was given.  He is at peace; we did not lose him for we know where he is and hold him forevermore in our hearts.  A gentle soul on Earth rightfully earned his wings and will be our Angel watching over us with joy, just as he did here on Earth.

A celebration of Life will be held at the Moscow Church of the Nazarene, in Moscow, Idaho on Saturday November 23 at 11:00 am.

Our family would like to thank the UW Medical Center Transplant Team in Seattle, WA and Providence Sacred Heart Hospital and ICU staff, all his specialty physicians and care teams, and every medical provider that helped John live the past 28 years as a liver transplant recipient.  We also thank Moscow Church of the Nazarene, Saint Mary’s Catholic Church and Shorts Funeral Chapel in Moscow Idaho for their prayers and condolences.

In lieu of flowers to the family please consider: Plant a Tree in Memory of John L. Redden, through the Short’s funeral chapel web site, as this would honor his lifelong appreciation for nature.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of John L. Redden, please consider:

United Network for Organ Sharing, unos.org

Donate Life America, donatelife.net

UW Medical Center, give.uwmedicine.org

Search funds: type in the following

Liver Transplant Patient and Family Needs Fund

Liver Transplant Service Gift Fund

If you choose to donate In Memory of

These sites ask for:    Honorary name: John L. Redden

Recipient’s name: Judy Redden

Recipient’s email: judy.redden1@gmail.com

This information is to send a notice of your donation ONLY, and all donations go to organization/fund ONLY