John Gary Boothe

May 23, 1941 – February 9, 2026

John Gary Boothe, a lifelong resident of the Owens Valley, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, after a short illness. In a touching and perhaps fitting coincidence, he passed away on the same date as his beloved wife, Jill, fourteen years to the day after her passing.

John was born on May 23, 1941, at the Nancy Bohns Maternity Home in Bishop, California, to Dudley and Alice Boothe.

John was a man of many talents and a deep love for the Eastern Sierra. The Boothe family owned the Rainbow Pack Outfit on the South Fork of Bishop Creek for 25 years. From an early age, John learned to pack and guide clients into the backcountry. It was challenging, demanding work, but John often said he would never have traded the experience for anything.

After graduating from Bishop Union High School in 1959, John enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany for three years, where he enjoyed traveling, sightseeing, and experiencing German culture — especially the beer. Despite these adventures, he was homesick for his family and his beloved Sierras. One evening, while attending a movie, he discovered that How the West Was Won was playing. When the opening scene revealed Mount Tom, John excitedly exclaimed, “I know where that is!” — much to the surprise of the other moviegoers. Seeing a piece of home on the big screen meant so much to him that he returned to watch the movie several more times.

After returning home from the Army, John held several jobs, but what he loved most was long-haul trucking. Over the years, he drove for Howard’s Lumber, Toiyabe Oil, Kenny Loyd, and Giggle Springs, to name a few. Known by his CB handle, “Mule Skinner,” John was a familiar voice on the radio waves from Tonopah to Los Angeles.

In the summer of 1971, John met Jill Kinmont, and a very special relationship began. They were married on a cold, windy, snowy day on November 26, 1976, in Bishop, California.

John was a devoted husband, and he and Jill shared 36 wonderful years filled with love and adventure — including a movie about their lives and travels across the country in their motorhome.

Together, John and Jill created a home that was always open to family and friends. Their yard became a gathering place for baby showers, reunions, retirement parties, and the annual art show that Jill and her friends lovingly hosted.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Dudley and Alice Boothe; his wife of 36 years, Jill; and his nephew, Mike Boothe.

He is survived by Morningstar and James Wagoner; grandson Wyatt; granddaughter Lily; sister Janet Dougherty (Gert); brother Roy Boothe (Bev); sister Linda Weier (Mike); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00am at East Line Cemetery on Saturday, February 28, 2026 and then Celebration of life with lunch and refreshments after at the fairgrounds at the Tallman building.