John Thompson (JT) Wardle

John Thompson “JT” Wardle passed away peacefully at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, after a valiant battle with post-liver and kidney transplant complications.

JT was born on May 29, 1961, in San Bernardino, California, to Vernal Dennis and Mary Evelyn Thompson Wardle. The youngest of six children, JT was cherished from the start and held a special place in his mother’s heart

He grew up in San Bernardino, where his love for the outdoors blossomed — from biking and skateboarding to surfing, he was always on the move, embracing life with energy and enthusiasm.

JT served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Perth, Australia, where he faithfully shared his testimony and developed a deep love for the people and culture. After returning home, he pursued his passion for theatre, earning a degree from Brigham Young University. Dreaming of a career on stage, he moved to New York City and performed in several off-Broadway productions.

Eventually, JT found his way to Utah, working at the University of Utah. It was there that he met his sweetheart, Michelle Reading. Their whirlwind courtship led to marriage on January 28, 1995, in the Bountiful Temple. Together, they built a loving home in Centerville, Utah, where JT later earned his Master of Fine Arts in Film Production.

JT and Michelle were blessed with two sons: Truman Reading Wardle, born in 1996, and Jack Reading Wardle, who joined their family through adoption in 2006. JT adored his family, and they made countless memories together.

A lifelong, devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, JT served in many callings. His favorite was teaching Gospel Doctrine, where his gift for storytelling and deep understanding of the scriptures brought lessons to life.

After dedicating 30 years to the University of Utah, JT embraced early retirement in 2021. He, Michelle, and Jack embarked on a new chapter, moving to St. Augustine, Florida, for a fresh adventure.

One of JT’s greatest passions was paramotoring. He first took to the skies in Utah, later creating a YouTube channel to document his flights. He explored the skies across the country, forging lifelong friendships within the paramotoring community. JT often described the feeling of flying as being close to Heaven — a place he now soars freely.

JT is preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Mary, his brother Stephen, his nephew Chris Elsmore and his great-nephew Justin Skanchy. He is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Michelle, his sons Truman (McKenna) of Connecticut, and Jack of St. Augustine, along with his siblings, extended family, and countless friends.

JT ended each of his videos with his signature sign-off: forming an “L” with his thumb and finger, saying, “Time to go Love, Laugh, Live!”

JT — it’s time to go Love, Laugh, Live

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Russon Mortuary located at 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, Utah, with a viewing from 8:45-9:45 a.m. at the mortuary prior to the service. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Services will be steamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.