John Michael Edgemon

John Michael Edgemon, 71, passed peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at his home in Tucson, Arizona.

Mr. Edgemon is survived by his beloved children, Darcie Leigh Edgemon and Matthew John Edgemon; his adoring sisters, Deborah Lynn (Edgemon) Gurriere and Susanne Melisse (Edgemon) Moore; his greatly loved nieces and nephews, Jeff, John, Michael, Sarah, Julia and Cynthia; many devoted cousins; two beautiful grandchildren, Declan and Nora; and a lifetime’s worth of treasured friends.

Mr. Edgemon was born and raised in Fairfield, California and is the only son of John George and Wanda Ellen (Smith) Edgemon. Mr. Edgemon spent most of his life in the San Francisco Bay Area before settling in Arizona to spend time with his mother, whom he loved deeply.

Mr. Edgemon was a man of many talents, and his professional endeavors included serving as a veterinary technician, working as an advertising executive for Time Magazine, contributing to the success of the San Jose Flea Market, and leading television and radio productions for both the flea market and The Salvation Army.

In addition to his many skills, Mr. Edgemon’s true passions were his love and appreciation of nature (and indeed of all living things), music, and the people in his life. From his earliest years he was called to the mountains, seas, forests, bogs, swamps, fields, lakes and deserts. He was always up for an adventure and had a special connection with the animals that inhabited the wilderness he cherished. As a boy he could be found catching frogs, lizards, and snakes and charming bees. As a young man, he became an avid falconer, always admiring and identifying different birds of prey. After his marriage to Marie (Cribbin) Edgemon, the couple had many pets including a finch, ferret and rabbit in their care. Later, Mr. Edgemon spent happy times on his father’s ranch riding horses and feeding baby goats with his young children, Darcie and Matthew. Until his passing he could be found offering love, affection and walks to his dogs Roxy, Delilah and Bandit and to neighborhood pets in need.

Mr. Edgemon found great joy in connecting with and helping people. With his big heart, compassionate disposition, sharp wit, and fun-loving warmth, he made friends wherever he went. Those who knew him well cherish the deep and meaningful relationships he nurtured and maintained throughout his life. This was especially touching to his immediate family, neighbors, and childhood friends, notably John Pappas, Billy Foltmer, and Mark Beck. A kind and loving soul, he called or sent a goodnight text to his children nearly every night until his passing.

Mr. Edgemon also had a profound love of music. It seemed to his friends that he knew the words to every song, and he loved to sing along. He often recounted tales of his teenage years and his young adulthood, when he would venture out to see live music with his friends and family in San Francisco. Mr. Edgemon had an ear for great melodies and lyrical poetry. He particularly loved Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, John Lennon, The Beatles, Dire Straits, The Talking Heads, R.E.M, Van Morrison, among many others. In his later years he found inspiration reading the poetry of Rumi and other spiritual writers. He was particularly fond of the quote “We are all just walking each other home” by Ram Dass.

A memorial will be held at a later date in honor of Mr. Edgemon to celebrate his life and legacy.