John Edward Trimming

John Edward Trimming Jr. peacefully returned to his Heavenly Father on October 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home. While he will be deeply missed, we find peace in knowing there was a glorious reunion waiting for him on the other side.

John was born on January 24, 1945, in Pocatello, Idaho, to John “Jack” Edward Trimming and Gladys Birdie Middendorf. The youngest of three children and the only son, John was adored by his sisters, Ione and Colleen, who lovingly doted on their little brother.

He attended Pocatello High School, where he excelled in numerous sports including tennis, golf, football, and baseball. After high school, he attended Idaho State University. In 1964, John made a life-changing move to Hawaii to live with his sister and brother-in-law. There, he enrolled as a freshman at Church College of Hawaii (now BYU–Hawaii), where he met the love of his life, Norma Wendt, a native Hawaiian.

John and Norma were married on April 1, 1967, in Pocatello, Idaho, and were later sealed for time and all eternity on August 23, 1967, in the Idaho Falls Temple. The couple later attended Utah State University, where John earned both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Fine Arts in ceramics and sculpture. After graduation, they returned to Hawaii, where John taught art at Kailua High School for three years.

In 1974, John and Norma bought their first home in Val Verda, Utah, where John began teaching at the newly opened Woods Cross High School. In 1977, they moved to their forever home in West Bountiful, Utah. John dedicated 32 years to teaching and mentoring students at Woods Cross, leaving a lasting impact on generations.

In addition to teaching art, John coached golf and baseball, created the iconic Woods Cross Wildcat logo, painted the football field and gym floor, and taught evening art classes for the University of Utah. He even ran for mayor of West Bountiful, losing by just 33 votes—a testament to his deep love for the community.

John had a profound love for his Savior, Jesus Christ, and faithfully served in many church callings, including Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, Seventy, High Councilman, Executive Secretary, and teacher in various organizations. Together, John and Norma served as full-time missionaries in the Kentucky Louisville Mission from 2012 to 2014.

Family was everything to John. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who found his greatest joy in the success and happiness of his posterity. He and Norma raised four children—Lisa, John, Donald, and Carl—each of whom knew in their hearts that they were their dad’s favorite.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Norma Wendt Trimming; their children Lisa (Paul) Kealamakia, John (Kristin), Donald (Bobbi Jo), and Carl (Tiffany); 21 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Gladys Trimming, and his sisters, Ione (Bert) Horrocks and Colleen (Wayne) Clark.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the West Bountiful 6th Ward, 1750 N. 900 W., West Bountiful, Utah. Family and friends may visit on Sunday, October 26, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main, Bountiful, and again Monday from 9:00–10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Cemetery.

John’s life was one of love, faith, hard work, and service. His influence will live on in the students he inspired, the children he raised, the wife he cherished, and the countless lives he quietly blessed along the way.

Services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and this obituary page.