John Balgavy, age 61 of Little Rock, Arkansas.
To find the answer to the age-old question, “Is there beer in Heaven?” John Balgavy left us at 12:07 pm on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in search of a comfortable bar stool and in-depth conversation with the Man upstairs.
John packed a lifetime of adventure into 61 years. He was smart, graduating with a degree in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas in 1985. You’d think that would be the primo feather in his cap. He, however, loved to tout his 3-hour interior decorating course, especially when Jane was choosing a paint color, a rug, or a piece of furniture.
John was the quintessential introvert’s extrovert. His career with the US Army Corps of Engineers used his talents to build dams and help hurricane victims with recovery efforts. His skills in engineering took a backseat to his ability to build his team into good engineers and, moreover, to mentor them to be good people. He was the recipient of many engineering awards, which sat behind his T-Ball coaching trophies and Flying Saucer glass collection.
John loved many things in life: working on projects in the shop; checking the pH in the hot tub and making sure it was perfect; creating the excel sheet grocery shopping list for Thanksgiving Day lunch; and naming cats, pups and trucks with creative flair.
He loved family dinner nights, with his favorite being Mississippi Pot Roast Monday.
John did love many things in life, but he was quick to say “things” took a backseat to experiences with people that he loved. He loved the mountains, and trips to Colorado and Lake Arrowhead, California were highlights.
Eclipsing it all was the indelible and purpose-filled love he had for his family and friends. He was an excellent listener and gave meaningful, direct, clear-cut advice.
He had no tolerance for cruelty, negativity or unkindness.
John had many pieces of sage advice, but his mantra throughout his adulthood was “GET BUSY LIVIN.” Despite many medical challenges that could have taken him much sooner, his unrelenting optimism kept him going. There was always something to look forward to.
John Balgavy met Jane Morgan when they were 12 and they married when they were 30. He loved being Hayden’s dad, coaching teams in baseball, and basketball; and seeing every musical or play at least twice. John and Hayden’s biggest father/son accomplishment was building the workshop on Forrest Loop, but Hayden still has nightmares about that nail gun.
Jane’s career as a teacher led many students and teachers to the Balgavy home for a meal, some advice, or a stay. Those students became family members who are still part of a huge circle of loved ones. John embraced these kids as his own and loved them unconditionally. Also part of the family fold are Hayden’s childhood friends, all of whom John considered his “second sons.”
John loved a good party, and he always had a curated playlist of appropriate music ready and waiting for birthdays, holiday gatherings, weddings as well as concocting a signature drink for every occasion. He was the go-to for all celebratory toasts.
Today, we lift our glasses to celebrate John on a life well lived.
John is survived by his wife, Jane; son Hayden, daughter-in-law Madeline, and new grandson, Tanner. Additionally, his “coast to coast kids” he loved as family: Brittany, Stella Kate, Louisa, Ever, Edie, Jolene, Trent, Ashley, Joy and Andrew; and the wonderful circle of friends he cherished.
A family hosted Visitation will begin at 3pm on Saturday, July 22 followed by a memorial service at 4:30pm at The Refuge Church, located at 201 West 4th Street in the Argenta neighborhood of North Little Rock.
In keeping with John’s wishes, after the formal memorial, there will be a celebration featuring beer and BBQ at the historic E. O. Manees House, located directly across the street from the church.
To honor John, wake up each and every day ready to “get busy livin!”
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service & Crematory 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. John’s online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
32 Comments
What a wonderful friend to many! I wish I could have met him. Knowing Jane, he had to be a wonderful man! I wish I could be at the funeral, but I am attending another. I send flowers in my absence but my very best to Jane, Hayden, and family. May John rest in peace.
I never met John, but I know him through Jane and Chuck and from pictures. You always had such fun!
We are so sorry to hear of john’s passing. Hope he finds his beer up in heaven. Our condolences go out to his whole family and friends plus all his furry friends.
John truly modeled all that is good in life: He was kind beyond measure and quick witted. His humor and vast music collection always entertained. He enjoyed a cold beer and always provided thoughtful advice but only when solicited. He lived life to the fullest. I am blessed to have known him.
Such a beautiful tribute of a life truly well-lived. He is an exemplar of the type of person I want to be. I’m glad I knew him even a little bit. Sending love and hugs.
I always enjoy getting to visit with him after I got done mowing the yard and picking at Jane. I always thought the most of John as a person husband and family man. Prayers for comfort and love y’all.
John was a great friend and colleague for 30 years. We both worked in Geotech back in the early days. He influenced many lives, both professionally and personally.
So deeply sorry for your loss. I know he will be greatly missed.
Jane and Hayden, our more heartfelt condolences. Words are so inadequate. John was the best. We are honored to have known him. Kindest regards Tracy, Carli and Mckenxi McAllister
A kind and loving man. His smile always maid everyone smile. Our prayers are with you Jane and Hayden.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jane, and your wonderful family and friends who loved him so. He will always be an inspiration to us all. Much love
Love to Jane and Hayden. John was so special. He left a remarkable legacy of kindness and joy and love
I sure enjoyed talking with John throughout the years at different gatherings, and I will miss him. His presence always filled the room with kindness, hospitality, and interesting conversation. Jane, Hayden, Madeline , and Tanner, I am praying for your sweet family. Love ya
John grew up in the Meadow Park Nation in a wonderful time, so many memories from the first day of Meadow Park Elementary School through Northeast High. We had a connection that time, distance or space could not erase. I was one block from the Balgavy house and had a path through the Goff yard to Johns backyard, Rose City Jr. High, the ballpark, good, cherished memories. Jane, we all grew up together and all share some of the same memories. We share in your grief and we have you, Hayden and the family in our prayers.
Graduated from college with John and worked 30+ years with him at the Corps. He was never intimidated by a challenge and was one of the most competent engineers I ever knew. He commanded great respect from everyone and always treated people well. It was also evident that he enjoyed life and cherished his family. He will be greatly missed.
I am saddened to learn of John; condolences to family, friends and old co-workers such as myself. I called John the “Golden Haired One”, this since he seemed to have a special ability to face challenges, get new assignments, succeed in them and receive accolades for work well done, to meet folks and make friends. I envied John for all those positive traits, this being a form of praise and recognition of a quality person that surely had our Lord at his side. We will miss him.
I am so saddened to hear of John’s passing. I too grew up with him in Meadow Park!!! John came from a wonderful family, I spent many days at his house with his precious mom trying to teach me to crochet. John was a great friend to all, all through school. A super nice guy that I’m so glad I got to know. Many years have gone by since I’ve been around him, but I know he stayed true to his raising. Many prayers to Jane, Hayden, and all of his family.
It was my honor to have worked with John for many years at the USCOE. He was a great inspiration to all of us. He was never afraid of a challenge. His love for life, his family, his work, was evident for all to see. Eternal Peace John.
A lovely, lovely human being, gifted and giving. May their memories and their knowledge of how well they were loved bring comfort to Jane, Hayden, and their family.
Cheers to a life well lived! John B was a good soul with great wisdom. I know he will be greatly missed. Praying for you all.
I knew Mr. Balgavy back in the 90’s on the river and he was a stand up guy. We were about the same age so we knew the same people and I consider it a privilege to have worked with him and for him later in my career. He will be missed, and my condolences to his family because I know he will be terribly missed by them.
My most sincere condolences to Jane & Hayden for your loss. There are no words I can convey to fill the void left by this man!. John was my boss & my friend. “WORK HARD & PLAY HARD! Mostly he cared about people and made you feel like family. I will always remember the times he would call me on the phone and say, “Captain, where are you working? It’s time for a Shorty Baird Appreciation Day”. We would set a day and a time and where the Fleet would be working on the river. After work, John would show up with a cooler of meat to BBQ and cold beer. We would provide the spuds, veggies & bread and we would turn on the music, light the BBQ and tilt a few cold ones as we discussed business, politics, music and beer. John- you are one in a million and will be missed. Vaya Con Dios my friend!
Words seem to fall short when trying to salute a man like John. I know he was loved with a great love of his sweet family and dearest friends. John was a master at making others feel welcome, like they mattered. I believe we did matter to John. We will “get busy livin’!”
Prayers for comfort and treasured memorie as you celebrate his life.
Jane, I’m so sorry to hear about John. I never had the honor of meeting him but wow what fun it would have been. Praying for you both and all that knew him.
John was a well-liked fun-lived go-getter. I knew him sparingly, but remember one incident when he was working a project at LRAFB – a new C-130 facility. He told me he was making a model of the facility to enable himself to better understand the steps necessary to successfully manage the construction procedure for the facility. I never got to see his model; however, he succeeded in seeing the project being accomplished. I wish his family the best in their loss.
I met John not too long after I started working for the Corps of Engineers. He was a great guy. He will be missed.
So sorry to hear about the passing of John and sorry for you loss, Jane. Growing up with John just down the street from me, i have a lot of memories of running back and forth between my house and the Balgavy’s home when we were all kids. The Balgavy house was always a great place with a big back yard to play and lots of fun with John, his sister and parents. I enjoyed reading about all the adventures you guys had over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jane!
Jane, Hayden, Madeline and Tanner,
We are so saddened by this loss, and can’t even imagine the grief you guys are feeling. We will be praying over you guys as you are moving forward through happy and sad times. We are sorry to be missing this day with you, but will be thinking of you all. Please let us know if we can be there for you guys in any way.
My favorite memory was sitting in the Starbucks drive thru and seeing behind me Jane (driving) and John (passenger staring seriously at the menu board. I watched as they chose their drink for the ride home as they had just moved to LR. I told the girl at the window “see those two old people behind me? “. She said yes ma’am. I said I’m giving you a twenty to pay for their order. She said it’s more than that. On a Tuesday night at 9pm they ordered more than 20 bucks worth of COFFEE??
Gettin busy livin I guess…….I’ll never forget that smile when I looked back as I drove off. What a sweet adorable man Jane snagged! I love you sweet friend! Like everything else you do, this will be no different, you will be graceful and gracious and we will be here for it all. Love you more! Prayers for you and Hayden as you navigate so sort of normalcy. He loved you both very much!
My sincere condolences go out to Jane, Hayden, and all who loved John. I worked with John for many years with the Corps and I consider him a friend. Rest easy, John. Your great humor will be missed here on Earth.
Jane, David snd I just heard about John’s passing and are so sorry for your loss. His obituary so well portrays the John we knew. While I know your hearts are broken, I know you will honor his memory by getting busy livin.’ You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
The extended Balgavy family will surely miss John! It was a joy to get to know him through various family reunions, as well as during a family visit to Arkansas. John was so much fun and it was clear that family was the most important thing in the world to him. Our condolences to his family and friends.
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