John Anthony Rist

On Saturday June 7, 2025, the world lost one of the most kind, loving and generous men. John “Jack” Rist, 85, passed away in Scottsdale, AZ surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Beatrice Rist, his aunt Sister Marie Paul and his oldest daughter Tricia. He is survived by his wife Judi, his daughter Tracy Harris, son-in-law Rick Harris and 3 grandsons Jacob, Ben and Sam Harris.

Jack was born on or around January 9th of 1940 in Three Oaks, Michigan to Paul and Beatrice Rist. He moved to Phoenix AZ in 1946, where he attended St. Francis Elementary, Brophy College Prep, and went on to study business at Arizona State University. He also proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps.

During his college years Jack met “Judith Ann” and his life would never be the same. They married in 1963 and welcomed their first daughter Tricia Lynn in early 1964, to be joined by their second daughter Tracy Ann four years later in 1968. During their early years of marriage Jack and Judi managed apartment complexes and traded coins for a living. In the early 70’s, with Judi’s artistic talents and Jack’s strong business mind, they started “manufacturing” lamps, felt pictures and mobiles for nurseries in their garage for family and friends. Little did they know at the time that their small business would grow into a successful international endeavor named Judi’s Originals. The successful family business went on for 35 plus years. During that time, they met many amazing people who were not just considered employees or business associates but were their very dear friends and family. Jack never really worked a day in his life because he truly loved his job as CEO/President of Judi’s Originals working side by side with the love of his life, Judi.

Although the business took up a lot of their time Jack found time to coach his daughter's softball team, sing in the Saint Francis Church choir, build a cabin in Munds Park alongside his father, play an occasional game of tennis or golf and of course spend time entertaining family and friends with his funny “dry” sense of humor and Gordon's gin in hand. He also loved real estate, finance and his paperwork. Jack could always be found behind his desk with a pencil, legal pad and calculator working on his next investment.

Jack and Judi loved to travel, whether for business or pleasure they were always on the go. From New York City to San Diego, Dallas to Hawaii, Europe, Africa, Asia and beyond they really saw the world. They collected many treasures from their adventures and proudly displayed them throughout their beautiful home in Scottsdale, AZ. Later in life, Jack & Judi enjoyed spending their time at their Forest Highland’s mountain getaway in Flagstaff, AZ.

After dealing with some health complications and spending 3 months in the hospital on a Cardio West Artificial Hart machine in Tucson, AZ, Jack was given a new lease on life in early 2000 with the gift of a heart transplant. Jack, with his new heart, and Judi continued their world travels, spending time with friends and countless hours being the best “Poppy” to his grandsons. Pickup duty, sleepovers, family vacations, Sunday dinners and 13th birthday trips to NY with the boys were just a few of the many things that made him the #1 Poppy around!

Jack will be remembered for not only being intelligent, kind, loving, generous and fun to be around, but also as the best husband, dad and Poppy anyone could wish for. His memory will be cherished always.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 27, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 10185 N. 84th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 at 11:00 am. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Starfire Golf Club, 11500 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 from 12:00 – 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, Catholic Charities Community Service or Wounded Warrior Project.