John J. Monson February 20, 1944 – February 25, 2023
John J Monson, 79, of Friday Harbor, Washington, died Saturday, February 25, 2023, five days after his 79th birthday. John was born February 20, 1944, in Visalia, California, the third child of Frederick O. Monson and Norma Bassi Monson. From the age of six weeks, John lived in San Luis Obispo, California.
He graduated from San Luis Obispo High School in June of 1961, and that year received an appointment to the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, California. In July of 1964, John graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nautical Science and was issued a Third Mates license by the United States Coast Guard. While a student at the Academy, he received a citation for Meritorious Service in a railroad accident in Cali, Colombia issued by the US Coast Guard. John began his career at sea following graduation, going through the levels of Third, Second, and First Mates to the level of Captain. His first command as Captain came on the container ship President Fillmore which sailed from Seattle in August of 1976, "Captain John J Monson, Commanding."
During his long career at sea, John's work took him to every ocean and most areas of the world, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the Orient, and all coasts of the United States. Included was even a trip up the Saigon River on an ammunition ship, and a trip to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for a diplomatic meeting between countries. His last ship was the President Truman, a 900-foot container ship carrying cargo between US ports and the Orient.
In August of 1975, John married Carol Ann Wyatt whom he had met when she and her mother were on an extended world tour and were civilian passengers on one of his ships. John and Carol moved to their home on San Juan Island in the summer of 1976, and he continued his career, traveling to different ports to board his ships. He and Carol were married 47 years.
John and Carol became parents of two boys, Hunter and Spain, both born on the island. When John retired, he continued to be active. His interests were many and his knowledge covered many subjects. He was an avid fisherman and crabber, grew a large garden, made his own wine, spent many hours following the economics and politics of government and the stock market, and was quick to help people in need.
John is survived by his son, Spain of Friday Harbor, a brother Lee Monson {Heidi) of Atascadero, California; two sisters, Lorrie Anne Monson of Cedar Glen, California, and Elaine (Larry Rasmussen) of Ventura, California, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, and by his son, Hunter. Graveside Service will be March 16th at 3 pm Valley Cemetery in Friday Harbor.
To share memories of John sign the online guestbook at www.evanschapel.com/obituary/john-monson