John and Jo Ruth Northcutt

We are remembering and celebrating the incredible lives of John and Jo Ruth Northcutt, nee Gross. John Lawson Northcutt Junior and his wife Jo Northcutt, both 93, recently passed away just 18 days apart at their home in Tucson, Arizona. John died on May 18th while Jo died on June 3rd. Incredibly, they both expired at the same time of day, 3:12 PM. Their 75-year marriage is a testament to their enduring love and commitment.

John and Jo Northcutt are survived by their children and their families: son John Lawson Northcutt III and his wife Patricia; son Jeffrey Northcutt and his wife Danielle, and their three children Jeffrey Jr and his wife Rebecca, Andrew, and Sophia; and daughter Janie Northcutt Agyagos and her husband Frank. John and Jo Ruth are preceded in death by their two daughters, who each sadly died soon after birth, Kathy Rose and Deborah Ann.

John and Jo Ruth, called Jukie by family and childhood friends, were born in Northcutt’s Cove and Irving College, respectively. After marrying at 18, they soon moved to Chattanooga to work in the Dupont factory. Jo Ruth encouraged John to enlist in the military in 1954, knowing each deployment location would allow for exciting adventures. John served in the United States Air Force for 26 years and was deployed to numerous locations: Texas, New York, Japan, Florida, Colorado, California, Marshall Islands, Vietnam Minnesota, Germany, and Pennsylvania. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1980. Jo was a supportive military wife who stoically endured well over 40 moves throughout John’s military career. After military service, Jo and John and children settled in Arizona where John subsequently worked and retired from the U.S. Postal Service. Jo worked various jobs; in Arizona, she ran a cleaning business with her dear friend Lorraine, until she was 80 years young.

Both Jo and John were very active and adventurous. They enjoyed years of square-dancing travelling domestically and internationally for square dancing events. Jo and John were avid hikers; they even backpacked into Keet Seel and made a rim-to-rim trip through the Grand Canyon. They camped with family and friends, well into their 87th year. John and Jo’s adventurous spirit was evident in their world travels. They cruised and toured many other countries and took frequent trips throughout the United States with family and friends.

One of the greatest joys of John and Jo Ruth’s retired years was being active, devoted grandparents. They were a constant and loving presence in the lives of their grandchildren, Jeffrey Jr, Andrew, and Sophia. So committed were they to showing up that until they moved to Tucson, they practically burned a path down I-10 between Chandler and Tucson, never missing a school event, ball game, or dance recital. Their steadfast support and deep love left an indelible mark on their grandchildren’s lives and are among the most cherished legacies they leave behind.

They were deeply loved and admired by their children and grandchildren, their neighbors, friends, fellow residents at their assisted living facility, and all their caregivers. John and Jo are now reunited, continuing their journey together in peace. They will be greatly missed, but more significantly fondly remembered for their lives well-lived. Their legacy of love, adventure, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew them.

A celebration of their bountiful lives will be held with family and friends at Hebron Cemetery in Irving College where their family has deep roots, on Saturday, October 25,2025, starting at 11:30. If you knew John and Jo, their children would love to visit with you and share wonderful stories.

Full military honors will be administered by American Legion Post 173 and VFW Post 5064.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.