John Paul "J.P." Balaam passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the age of 72. John was born on June 16, 1951, to David and Mary (Oliver) Balaam in Lompoc, California. He was the middle child of three and made a big brother out of David (Rusty) Balaam of Tacoma, Washington, and had a baby sister in Mary Jane (Woodfin) of Huntington Beach, California.

Growing up, John enjoyed playing baseball and football, but his real interests were rooted in the family farm. It was in the fields of Lompoc Valley and surrounding areas that his love for hunting developed into something that would live with him for the rest of his life.

In 1972, John married his first wife Judee (Harman) of Lompoc, and they welcomed a beautiful daughter, Shirene (Balaam-Anguiano) in 1974. In 1978, John married his second wife, Linda (Kirchhof) of Santa Maria, California. They welcomed three sons: Jake, in 1979, Jared in 1983, and J.T. in 1988.

After 26 years of driving trucks all over the state of California, John decided to leave the state and purchase a small hay farm outside of Winnemucca, Nevada. He spent the next 21 years in Winnemucca. He made several new friends and continued to enjoy hunting and working on various farms and ranches around the state. John had an unparalleled love of animals and was never seen far from the sight of his dogs. If the truck was moving, there was a dog with him. Following the retirement of his oldest son Jake from the US Navy, John opted for yet another change of pace and scenery, joining Jake and his family in Middleton, Idaho in 2016 before buying a small home in Payette, Idaho where he spent his remaining days.

He was preceded in death by his father David Norman Balaam and mother Mary Carolyn Balaam, as well as numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his brother David Balaam, sister Mary Jane Woodfin, and children Shirene Balaam-Anguiano (Tony), Jake Balaam (Heather), Jared Balaam (Amy), and JT Balaam (currently waiting to flourish). John also leaves behind grandchildren Ashlee Simoni and Johnny Lee Balaam (Shirene). Justin, Collin, and Maddie Balaam (Jake). Casen and Ethan Balaam (Jared)

A graveside service is currently TBD but will be held at the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery where he will be laid to rest beside his parents and grandparents.