John Miles Ware

John Miles Ware died unexpectedly on Thanksgiving morning while preparing for his family celebration. John had a most generous heart. With wide-open arms, he welcomed family and friends at the front door, at all hours, expected and not. Our hearts are broken, and we will miss him deeply, but we are comforted in knowing that he enjoyed his life to its fullest and truly loved those close to him.

John was born in Kansas City, MO on August 28, 1942 to Francis H. and Betty B. Ware.

He grew up in Salt Lake City and was in one of the first graduating classes at Highland High School, graduating in 1960.

Attending the University of Utah, he earned a B.S. degree in Political Science. Proudly affiliating with the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity afforded him lifelong friends. During his time at the U, he met Sally Thurman on a blind date, and they were inseparable ever since.

John and Sally were married on December 16, 1965, in Salt Lake City. John adored Sally with all his heart. They had an amazing partnership and marriage. Together, John and Sally built a beautiful, warm and welcoming home and a family that loved to do things together. They cultivated friendships in Salt Lake and around the world where they adventured. John’s close relationship with his children, Jennifer and Brian, their spouses Bill and Holly, and his four grandchildren filled him with joy. They were constant sources of pride, delight, and inspiration to John.

Professionally, John was an insurance broker, a founding principal of CWZ Insurance Managers and later a founding partner of InfiniTeam.

John had many hobbies but perhaps none more prominent than being an accomplished hot air balloon pilot from 1989 to now. He and Sally flew balloons all over the world, including France (for the French Bicentennial Celebration), Mexico, England, Czech Republic, and at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. His family and Brian (as pilot) will continue this legacy. He was also a tailgate extraordinaire, a voracious reader, a competitive gin rummy player, beautiful skier, a scuba diver and gourmet cook.

He and Sally loved golfing with friends at Hidden Valley Country Club for many years and most recently at The Salt Lake Country Club. In 2020 he had his first hole-in-one!

Always wanting everyone to feel included and cared for, he loved bringing people together to celebrate and have a good time. While tending to food and drink for everyone, he also gave attention to each of us, asking about our life and what he could do to contribute. He was fiercely loyal, unpretentious, and always spoke his mind.

All his life, John was devoted to his favorite teams, but never more than for those of his children and grandchildren, cheering them on through the ups and downs, fair weather and foul. He could be found on the soccer sidelines, ski race hills, golf tournaments and various performances. Above all, he was proud of the team he formed with Sally over 56 years.

John is survived by his wife, Sally; children, Jennifer Gaskill (Bill), Brian (Holly); grandchildren, Sam and Savannah Gaskill and Nick and Camryn Ware; sister, Sharon Ware Crawley; brother-in-law Wally Thurman (Rita); sister-in-law Sura Hart; nieces Melissa Snyder, Hannah, Lydia and Abby Thurman, and Kyra and Marieka Freestar. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity or The Utah Food Bank by clicking the “Donate” link above.

Vaccinated friends are invited to celebrate John’s life on Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building. He will be laid to rest at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.