John Timothy Sailsbury

John Timothy Sailsbury passed through death into life on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, he was a man known by many names: John, Tim, JT, and ‘Papa John.’

Born on September 8, 1955 to Wilbur and Georgia Sailsbury, Tim grew up in Parsons, Kansas, the fifth of six children. Inspired by his parents’ example, Tim developed a lifelong work ethic from a young age when he began mowing lawns for neighbors at age eight. He played varsity basketball and football for Parsons High School and was active with the Boy Scouts of America, ultimately earning his Eagle Scout.

In 1975, Tim married Genny Pegues, his high school and lifelong sweetheart. He first attended Kansas State University before graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in recreation management. He worked for Procter & Gamble for thirty-five years—a rewarding career that took his family from Nebraska to Oklahoma to Indiana, before finally bringing them to Norman in 1994. He retired from P&G in 2010.

In retirement, Tim became a full-time Papa and a passionate community volunteer—actively serving in his church and supporting both the Metropolitan Library System and the Norman Veterans Center. One of his greatest joys was helping people establish healthy financial habits in order to become debt free. In 2010, he launched JT’s Music Sales, through which he shared his lifelong love of music with countless people of all ages.

Tim is survived by his wife Genny, his son Austin and wife Ashlyn of Copenhagen, Denmark, his daughter Katie and husband Andrew Gilmore of Norman, and six grandchildren, Thomas Gilmore, Damian Gilmore, Georgia Gilmore, Abram Gilmore, Owen Sailsbury, and Lea Sailsbury. He is also survived by his sisters Wilmetta Alderman, Diana Pattinson, Debbie Burke, and his brother Lee Sailsbury, along with many nieces and nephews whom he adored. Tim’s family is forever grateful for his loyalty, kindness, generosity, and love. To all who knew him, Tim was a friend. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of Tim’s life will be held this Saturday, January 8th at 10:30 a.m. at CrossPointe Church in Norman, Oklahoma, with Pastors Mike Butler and Bob Usry officiating. An informal graveside gathering will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Parsons, Kansas on January 10th at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Tim’s name for Financial Peace University scholarships, care of CrossPointe Church.