John Paul Gartman passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 23, 2026, in Ventura, CA. John was born in Santa Paula, CA, on July 6, 1954, to Paul and Lodema Gartman. He went to Ventura High School and graduated in 1972.
John was the President and founding member of the Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society. Every July you could find him at their booth in Fillmore selling fireworks. John was the treasurer of the Ventura County Amateur Radio Club. John worked as a projectionist for many years starting with Pacific Theaters, eventually moving to Mann Theaters and finally Regal Cinemas. He retired from Regal in 2024, While he planned to complete many projects, it seemed he was busier during retirement with his clubs than he was when he was working. During his time with the theaters, he was a father figure and mentor to many. In fact, several became lifelong friends and family.
John was a collector. He collected many things, from model trains, planes, and helicopters to old radios. He restored 3 jukeboxes and was working on a fourth, which his children will now finish for him. John was an avid LA Kings hockey fan; he enjoyed going to games with family and friends. John was a lifelong fisherman; you could often find him up at Lake Casitas fishing on one of his boats. He also enjoyed going deep-sea fishing and sailing around the islands. He loved being around the islands and knew a lot about them.
John is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Peggy. His daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Jeremy Marshall, son Joseph Gartman, daughter Emily Gartman, son Todd Gartman, sisters Barbara Stroud and Robin and Wheeler North, brother James and Renee Gartman, other extended family, and his beloved dogs Sadie and Sophie and his grand dog Bailey. He was preceded in death by his parents, a few family members, and his favorite dog, Molly.
There will be a viewing on Sunday, June 7th, from 4-8 pm at Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home at 757 E. Main Street, Ventura. Funeral services will be Monday, June 8th, at 10:00 am at The Church of Latter-day Saints at 3501 Loma Vista Rd, Ventura. With a graveside service at 11:45 am at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery, 380 Cemetery Rd, Santa Paula. Gathering to follow at 2:00 pm at the Wilkinson’s home at 11927 Koenigstein Rd. in Santa Paula. Arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ventura.