John Lyman Everingham, age 84, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on December 3, 2025, just after midnight, at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
John was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on October 25, 1941. As an infant, he was brought home to his family’s fishing lodge — French River Lodge — located on Ox Lake where the French and Pickerel Rivers meet. His great uncle, Charles “Bud” W. West; Bud’s father, Charles West; and John’s father, Lyman Earl Everingham, built the lodge in the early 1900s. John spent his earliest years surrounded by rugged wilderness, beautiful waterways, and his close-knit family.
John began school at Crescent School, a private boys’ preparatory academy in Toronto, where he studied from kindergarten through seventh grade while spending holidays back at the lodge. After the family’s move to Parry Sound, he continued his education locally through high school.
Following his graduation, John proudly joined the United States Air Force. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, received radio operations training at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, and later served at Stewart Air Force Base, just south of Nashville, Tennessee. His service remained one of the great honors of his life.
John married Elizabeth Ann Daves in August 1964, and together they had two sons: Shawn Lyman Everingham and Richard Darrell Everingham. After their marriage concluded in 1974, John married Barbara Jean Duke in October 1979. Together, they made their home in several communities across the U.S., including Nashville, Pleasant View, and Birmingham, and raised two daughters: Jennifer Lynn Everingham and Julie Ann Medina Everingham.
Professionally, John worked diligently throughout his life, achieving success through leadership, dedication, and his effortless ability to connect with people anywhere he went.
John loved adventure and embraced life to the fullest. He was passionate about snow skiing and served some time as President of the Nashville Ski Club. He delighted in long bike rides and cross-country motorcycle trips — even making journeys into Canada that allowed him to reconnect with the landscapes of his childhood. Above all, he prioritized his family, celebrating their accomplishments and creating countless memories together.
The greatest turning point in John’s life came in 1976, when he placed his faith in Jesus Christ. From that moment forward, he walked in a renewed purpose, guided by Scripture and driven by a desire to honor God in all he did. His decision to follow Christ has left a legacy of faith that continues to ripple through generations of his family. He was an active member of World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, participating in Bible studies and joyfully serving in the Upper Elementary ministry.
John will be deeply missed by his sons; Shawn (Christi) Everingham, Richard Everingham; daughters, Jennifer Everingham and Julie (Jaur) Medina Everingham; grandchildren Jacob, Tyler, Faith, Xaris, Xara, Chloe, Ella and Luca; daughter-in-law, Kristina Everingham; brother, Charles (Linda) Everingham; nephew, Matthew Everingham.
A visitation service honoring John’s life will be held at Madison Church of Christ (106 Gallatin Pike North, Madison, TN), from 5pm-8pm, in Madison,Tennessee. All who knew him are welcomed to join in celebrating his life and faith.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: World Outreach Church, supporting ministries that reflect John’s heart for sharing the Gospel and pouring into the next generation.
John’s hope was anchored in Scripture. Psalm 84 was a passage that reflects the longing of his heart:
“Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere…
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does He withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.” — Psalm 84:10–11
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
John trusted deeply in the Lord — and the impact of his faith continues to shine to the generations he leaves behind.
Chris Neighbours, Funeral Director 615.426.5101 https://www.gardnermemorialchapelinc.com
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