John Bingham

John Maurice Bingham, 85, passed away peacefully at home on May 24, 2025, with his beloved wife of 60 years, JoAnn J. Bingham (née Johns), by his side.  John was born on December 21, 1939, in Bozeman, Montana, to Golden Hansen Bingham and Alice Lenore Cazier. He was the seventh of ten children in a lively, close-knit family.  

His early years were spent in Montana and Utah before the family settled in Emmett, Idaho, where John graduated from Emmett High School in 1958. There, he served as student body president and was known for his leadership and enthusiasm. His senior quote, "Let's get organized," captured the spirit that would carry him through a lifetime of dedicated service.  

Following high school, John began his studies at Brigham Young University. He paused his education to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central States Mission from 1960 to 1962. Upon returning, he resumed his studies at BYU, where he would soon meet the love of his life, JoAnn Johns, in October 1963. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple on September 2, 1964.

John graduated from BYU with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1964, and later earned a master's degree in public administration in 1967. These degrees laid the foundation for a meaningful career in public service.  

Throughout his professional life, John worked in a variety of leadership roles, including with Bell Telephone Company, as Assistant City Manager of Riverbank, and as City Manager of Newman, California; Sunnyside, Washington; McCook, Nebraska; and as the first City Manager of Lathrop, California. His dedication to good governance and community building left lasting impressions in each place he served.  

A lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, John often joked that he never made it past the rank of Tenderfoot himself. However, his dedication to the program inspired countless young men to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. In recognition of his many years of service, John was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver Award.

John was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, faithfully serving in many callings throughout his life. He was a mentor and leader to many as he served in the Young Men's organization, as a bishop three times, and in various stake leadership positions. From 2007 to 2010, he and JoAnn served together as public affairs missionaries in Ghana-an experience that brought them great joy and deepened their faith.  

Family was the center of John's life. He is survived by his loving wife JoAnn; their seven children: Keri Smith, Brent Bingham, Celeste Hammarstrom, Stephanie Robertson, Craig Bingham, Mitchel Bingham, and Allyson Bingham; 36 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Dr. Mark Bingham.

John's life was defined by faith, service, integrity, and a deep love for his family and fellow man. He will be dearly missed, but his legacy of leadership, love, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.