John Gardner Graham, 89, St. George, Utah (formerly of Hope)

John Gardner Graham, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, integrity, and devotion to his family and community.

Born on December 20, 1936, in Indianapolis, Indiana, John was the only son among seven children. He grew up on a farm, where he learned the values of perseverance and responsibility from an early age. His childhood was filled with the adventures of rural life—helping on the family farm, playing basketball, and cherishing the simple joys of family traditions and togetherness. He graduated from Hope High School, where he excelled in basketball and was named Most Valuable Player. Though he was offered a basketball scholarship to Indiana State, he chose to move with his family to California.

In 1962, John married his sweetheart, Mary Gail Congleton, and together they built a beautiful life. They raised three children: John T Graham (Angela), Paula Rasmussen (Brad), and Bruce Graham (Leah). John was also blessed with twelve grandchildren and eight great grandchildren who brought him immense joy. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Gail; his children and their spouses; and his sisters Elsie, Carolyn and Andrea. He was preceded in death by his sisters Ellen, Kathleen, and Mary.

John spent over 35 years building homes in St. George, Utah, as a respected builder and developer. His company, A-John’s Construction Co., was known for its excellence in residential construction and real estate development. He and his family logged decades in the building industry, specializing in plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and general contracting. His projects included Mesa’s Townhomes and Warm Springs Development, shaping neighborhoods and helping countless families find a place to call home.

Those who knew John will remember his love for speed. In his younger years, he earned the nickname “Johnny Corvette” after managing to collect 17 speeding tickets in a single year while driving his Corvette. That zest for life carried through in everything he did - whether building homes, fishing, hunting, or playing golf. He worked hard, played hard, and lived life on his own terms.

Family and friends describe John with words like integrity, dedication, and commitment. He believed in doing things right and on time, a creed that guided him in both his work and his life. His legacy lives on in the homes he built, the family he cherished, and the community he helped shape.

A service to honor John’s life and memory will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Southgate 2nd Ward Chapel, 1068 West Chandler Drive, St. George, Utah. A viewing will be held on Friday, prior to services, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow in Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.