Fighting Cancer
in Honor of
John Hemmings

John Williams
Hemmings

August 28, 1939 — December 15, 2004

John William Hemmings was born in Charleston, W.Va. on August 28, 1939. John's parents were Marian and James Hemmings. He had one sibling, his older sister, Jo Ann. John's father was in the Air Force and his last tour of duty was in Fairbanks, Alaska, where John graduated from high school. After graduation, John got his first job filing checks at a local bank — and thus, John's career in the banking industry was born.

When John's father was diagnosed with emphysema, the family relocated to Arizona. At 18, John went to work at a bank in downtown Phoenix as a night shift bookkeeper. His talent was recognized and he was placed into a management training program. There he met his bride, Mary Ann, also employed at the branch as a proof operator. Their first date was to the Arizona State Fair. They married March 3, 1962 — just four short months after their first date.

John was drafted into the Army in June 1962. He attended basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, then served at Ft. Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska, where his wife joined him on their first anniversary. Upon discharge, they returned to the Valley and John resumed his banking career with renewed passion.

He eventually became President and CEO of The Bank of Casa Grande Valley (later Sunstate Bank, now Great Western Bank). When he joined, they had 2 branches. By the time he passed, the bank had grown to 10 branches. He was a community activist, church benefactor, devoted family man, and mentor to many throughout Pinal County.

John was diagnosed with COPD in 1991. In August 2004, three days after his 65th birthday, he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He passed away December 15, 2004.