John Huff

6/4/1944 to 12/4/2022

John Paule Huff Jr. died on December 4, 2022, following a hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s disease and other complications. He was 78. 

John was born June 4, 1944, in Los Angeles to Jack and Shirley Huff, owners of Ray Huff Studios in Beverly Hills. He was married to Mercedes Adams Huff from 1979 to 2016, they had two daughters, Molly and Laurie Huff.

He attended North Hollywood High School and San Diego State University prior to moving to Jackson in 1967. His early interests and hobbies included surfing and sailing, but after moving to Jackson he fell in love with the mountains.

John was an original member of the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol from 1974 to 1999. After retiring from the ski patrol, he accomplished his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot.

Throughout his time in Jackson, his priority was spending time with family. Spending many weekends hiking, sledding, snowmobiling, and playing together at their beloved cabin in the backcountry of Wyoming.

John moved temporarily to Park City, Utah, to support Molly and Laurie as they pursued racing at an elite level. During those pivotal years together he was a confidant, role model and source of friendship for his girls.

Later in life John met his devoted partner, Joni Upsher. Despite his health challenges, they traveled and explored the world. In the six short years together, they built tremendous love and a wealth of beautiful memories. 

Those who knew John remember him as a kind, gentle man with a playful sense of humor.