John Thomas Underhill

John Thomas Underhill, 90, passed away on October 4, 2019 in his sleep. He was born on May 9, 1929 in Yuma, Arizona to Hubert and Emily Underhill. John was raised in Yuma and graduated from Yuma High School where he met the love of his life, Diane Mary Tisue. They first met in 1945, were married on August 6, 1949 and moved to Tucson, Arizona where he received his BSEE degree from the University of Arizona. Their first son, John Jr., was born (1950) in Tucson.

Upon graduation, John and Diane moved the family to Albuquerque, New Mexico where two more sons, Robert G. Underhill (1952) and James Allen Underhill (1954), were born. After a short period, the family moved back to Yuma and then to San Diego, California where John worked at Cubic Corp. building satellite tracking systems around the world. In 1962, the family moved to Woodland Hills, California as John assumed a senior position with Package Bell.

In 1965, John's mother Emily became ill and the family trucking business, established in 1876, was in jeopardy so John and Diane decided to move the family back to Yuma to take over Underhill Transfer Company operation. He grew the business building numerous warehouses to support a growing freight and furniture operation while serving the needs of the MCAS and YPG. The family ventured into numerous real estate acquisitions including shopping centers and apartment complexes ultimately resulting in building Pioneer Center including retail space, and IGA, a Microtel hotel, and an Applebee's.

While in Yuma, John was elected in 1975 to serve as a City of Yuma Councilman (while in that position he became an honorary Sheriff and through his final days he was proud to carry the sheriff badge). In 1977 John received his Student pilot license and became a private pilot in 1978. He and Diane made numerous trips to Laughlin as they enjoyed playing the "Vegas" machines and bringing home boxes of winnings (barbeque sets, toe nail clippers, etc.) that were passed along to family members.

John is survived by two sons, John Thomas Underhill Jr. (Janelle) and James Allen Underhill; eight grandchildren, Christina, Derek, Helena, Kyle, Sean, Melanie, Michael, and Clinton; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Diane and third son Robert.

John spent much of his life at work looking for opportunities in Yuma to expand and support the community. Projects completed are too numerous to mention. John lost Diane in 2004 and retired from Underhill Transfer in 2006. He moved to Tempe, Arizona in 2015 to be closer to his son John Jr. Since retirement, John spent as much time as he could with family and especially the grandkids.

Short Stories:

John was a workaholic but he did take the family on camping trips when the sons were young. The three boys and John went on a fishing trip in Mexico before grandkids came along. They caught no fish, got sick over rough seas, but have great memories.
John moved from Yuma to Tempe, Arizona in 2015. He enjoyed apartment living for about one year and then moved to assisted living where he lived for over three years. He frequented "Freddy's", his favorite hamburger joint. When he was in Yuma, his favorite place was Pizza Hut.
Kyle visited with John on the Sunday before his passing. During the visit Kyle held grandpa's hand. Grandpa asked who was holding his hand and Kyle said it was he, should he stop. Grandpa said "no", he liked it.
During John's last hospital stay (pneumonia) the hospital lost his lower dentures. Her recovered but when he returned home, he had to live off a liquid diet until new dentures arrived. He put his new teeth in on Wednesday, had a number of Vanilla Wafers, his favorite cookie, and his passed on that Friday.

He is loved and will be missed by all of us.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at noon at Johnson Mortuary, 1415 S. 1st Ave., Yuma 85364. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Hospice of the Valley, Hospice of Yuma, or a local food bank.

Tributes