John Parker Meriam 16 Nov 1973 – 28 Feb 2004

John started his life in Shreveport, Louisiana on November 16, 1973. He grew up and lived most of his childhood in the Shreveport area. In September of 1992 John joined the U.S. Air Force. His journeys in the Air Force took him to places all around the world. His career started in Las Vegas (Nellis AFB), Nevada. After many long years in Las Vegas, John wanted to leave the hot, dry, climate. After many attempts, he finally got his dream orders. He was stationed at Anchorage (Elmendorf AFB). John fell in love with Alaska. He planned on calling some part of Alaska home after his service to the Air Force was done. John enjoyed the typical “Alaskan” outdoor activities. He would go fishing, camping and anything else that would get him out in the great Alaskan backyard. He soon learned to snowboard after the first snowfall. Anchorage is where he met his wife, Amber and soon started a family. In December 2000, they had their first bundle of joy, a daughter. John was in love with her from the first moment he saw her. From that day on she was “Daddy’s little girl.”

As military families are adapted to, you cannot get too comfortable in one place too long. Soon orders were received and a new home was not that far away. Fairbanks (Eielson AFB) was the place the Meriam family would call home. The family was growing in the middle of the move and in October of 2002, the family was completed with the son that John had always wanted. No one knew how precious time was getting. John would spend as much free time with his friends and family as he could. Family was extremely important to John. He loved his children as much as a father could. His life was cut tragically short on Saturday, February 28, 2004. He collapsed while shopping at a local store with his family. John was rushed to the nearest hospital where multiple attempts were made to revive him. At the age of 30 he passed away from a massive heart attack.

John is survived by his wife, Amber, children Ellyse and Parker, mother Susan Head, father Daniel Meriam, sister Laura Dodson, brother David Meriam, half-brother Richard Meriam, and half-sister Mary Goggin. Family is something to cherish always. Life can be too short. Remember those that are close to your heart. Live every day of your life like you were dying.