John Robert Potts

John Robert Potts passed away peacefully in the home he built and loved on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. He was born in Nettleton, MO, at his family farm on Sunday, January 12, 1936, the son of Paul Bernard and Mary Lorene (Catron) Potts. John graduated from JC Penney High School in Hamilton, MO, where he returned following college, to teach music. He further completed his Master"s Degree in Educational Counseling, and his Doctorate in School Psychology at ASU on a fellowship, which was what brought him to Arizona. After counseling for several years at Chandler High School, and serving as Director of Student Services, John went to work for the Arizona Department of Education. As Associate Superintendent he helped write law mandating Special Education in Arizona. John and his family moved to Show Low to establish and direct Special Services for 26 school districts in Apache and Navajo Counties. He also took over White Mountain Realty for his father-in-law, Harold Vaughan. John loved music of all kinds and played the tuba as well as sang with the Barbershoppers. He was always involved in some form of music, and directed band for Show Low High School for two years, helping to share his passion with young people. As needs for Special Education became greater, John took the position of Director for both Show Low and Blue Ridge School Districts, after which he continued at Blue Ridge for about 25 years. Soon after arriving in Show Low, John was elected to the board of Northland Pioneer College, where he served for several years, followed by appointment to the State Community College Board, and was President for a term. With his interest and experience in leadership, John served on the Show Low City Council, as well as the NAVIT board. In 1980, John joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many callings including Stake High Councilor and Bishop of the Show Low 2nd Ward. John loved giving his time to serve in both the Mesa and Snowflake Temples of The Church. John is survived by his loving wife, Sue (Vaughan), their 5 children: Kelly (Ken) Grapp, Tawny (Jesse) Austin, Paul (Cheri) Potts, Buffy(David) Nikolaus, Rikki (Brian) Merrill, 15 grandchildren, and one older brother, Lenard (Skip) Potts of Tracy, California. John's love and understanding of all people made him a cherished friend of many. His powerful testimony and love of his Savior guided his life and provided strength to all those who knew him. The visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at Owens Livingston Mortuary-White Mountain Chapel 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona. The funeral will begin on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at the Downtown Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 300 N. 11th Street in Show Low where additional visitation will begin 1 hour prior. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Show Low Cemetery.