John Francis Hiffman
May 31, 1945- January 6, 2026
John Francis Hiffman was born on May 31st, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois to John F. and Dorothy M. Hiffman. He was the youngest child and completed their family of four including his older brother, Dennis John.
John attended parochial schools in Chicago and graduated from Fenwick High School in 1963. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. From 1965 to 1971, John proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.
In 1971, John relocated to Kent, Washington, where he began a career selling college textbooks throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California. He worked as a sales representative for several publishing companies and remained in the field until his retirement in 2010.
John met the love of his life, Linda M. Brown, in 1972 while living at the San Juan Club Apartment Complex in Kent. The complex sponsored slow-pitch softball teams, and it was on the softball field where their story began. They were married on December 1, 1972, in Auburn, Washington. In 1974, John and Linda purchased their home in Enumclaw, Washington, where they built a life together.
Soon after moving to Enumclaw, they welcomed their daughter, Anna Marie, in 1977, and their son, Tyson John, in 1981. Their children were the center of their world and the greatest joy of their lives. After retiring from softball, John discovered a lifelong passion for golf. Linda soon joined him, and when the children were old enough, they too learned the game. Enumclaw Golf Course became a second home for the Hiffman family, a place where lasting memories were made and cherished friendships formed. John and Linda traveled together, golfing many beautiful courses over the years. John continued to play for as long as he was able.
John and Linda were blessed with two granddaughters, Emma Marie, born in 2002, and Abigail Rae, born in 2005. John was deeply involved in their lives and attended every event he could. He took great pride and joy in watching Emma and Abigail grow into the beautiful, talented, and independent young women they are today.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Linda M. Hiffman; daughter Anna Rose and her husband Bryan; son Tyson Hiffman; two granddaughters: Emma McGregor & Abigail Rose; brother Dennis Hiffman; mother-in-law Phyllis Brown; sister-in-law Sandi Englebert and her husband Robert; sister-in-law Sally Brown; brother-in-law Stanley Brown & partner Michael Hansen; along with three nephews, five nieces, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Hiffman; his nephew John (Johnny) Hiffman; his father-in-law Stanley Brown; and his brother-in-law Tom Bennett.
John will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his love of golf, his steady presence, and the quiet joy he found in a life well lived.
John’s final resting place will be at Tahoma National Cemetery where a private family service will be held on January 26th, 2026. A celebration of life will be held at the Buckley Eagles on February 21st, 2026 at 1pm open to all his friends and family.
