John Guy Hyde

John Hyde, known affectionately to all as Jack, departed this world on August 1, 2025, in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Born on March 5, 1938, in the sun-kissed city of Tucson, Arizona, Jack's spirit was as vibrant as the landscapes he so cherished throughout his life. From the towering pines of his youth to the gardens he cultivated as an adult, nature resonated deeply within him, shaping the compassionate man he became.

A master of wit and whimsy, Jack captivated not just through his knowledge but with a warmth that invited all in. His legacy began in the mountains of Arizona, where his youthful heart soared amidst the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon, where he hiked more than ten times, basking in the breathtaking beauty surrounding him. This passion for nature carried him throughout his life, guiding his journey from the serene mountains back to the bustling Phoenix Valley where he spent over three decades.

For more than 36 years, Jack dedicated his life to the Phoenix VA Hospital as a property manager—a role which he embraced with honor and integrity. Though his vision may have prevented him from serving in the army, his commitment to care for others never wavered, and he later found his heart's true calling at Summer Winds Plant Nursery. For 22 years, he nurtured not only plants but also people, sharing his delightful humor and profound knowledge as a Master Gardener. His handwritten notes, lovingly copied at the local Staples, became tokens of his affection, gifting wisdom to his students and friends alike.

As a father, Jack's influence radiated through the lives of his children, Tamira, Kelly, and Kenneth, who carry forward not only his love for reading and nature but also his uniquely warped sense of humor—the kind born from countless dad jokes that have become the stuff of family legend. His wife Bonnie, who passed away in 2016, was his partner in life and love, and together they built a warm home, welcoming both stray humans and strays animals alike.

In his later years, Jack returned to the green hills and tranquil trees of the Piedmont of North Carolina, a poetic return to the nature that filled his soul. There, he found peace in a nurturing garden, once again surrounded by the gentle hum of life he cherished so dearly.

Jack's last moments were marked by the struggle against congestive heart failure, but even then, his spirit remained steadfast. He leaves behind a loving family: daughters Tamira Burns and Kelly Thomas, along with their husbands Josef Burwell and Zack Thomas; his son Kenneth Hyde; grandchildren Ryan, Amber, and June; and cherished pets Silver the cat and Suly the dog. His niece, Dixie Caudle, holds the fond memories of the uncle who always made her laugh.

As friends and family gather to honor Jack's remarkable life, they will find solace in the interplay of laughter and love that defined him. A man who danced through life with music echoing the sounds of the big band era and the clever whims of Tom Lehrer, Jack Hyde will forever be remembered as a beacon of kindness, intellect, and humor—one who left an indelible mark on the hearts he touched. Rest in peace, dear Jack; you have woven your spirited legacy beautifully into the tapestry of those you adored.