John Paul Herron

John Paul Herron, age 88, died at home in Boise, ID on March 8, 2026. Born August 10, 1937, in Kansas City, MO, and adopted by Charles and Ruth (Henger) Herron, John spent his childhood in a suburb of St. Louis and later moved to Cleveland, where he graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1955.

John’s storied retail career took him to 38 cities in 12 states across the United States – from Manhattan to Los Angeles and Florida to Idaho, and everywhere in between. He joined JCPenney in 1959, advancing through the ranks rapidly due to his brilliant merchandising instincts and knack for developing talent. He mentored many young retail professionals, whose careers often advanced alongside his. In 1983, Household International Inc. hired John, a 24-year JCPenney veteran, as president of TG&Y, an American five-and-dime chain. John also served in executive roles with Payless Cashways and Everything’s A Dollar.

John’s two great loves were his family and motorcycles. The walls of his home were lined with pictures of family and happy memories. As John moved around the country, he shared his love of travel and sense of adventure with his children and grandchildren. His daughters treasure the memories of playful antics with him at iconic New York City landmarks and time together at beaches and lakes across both the eastern and western U.S. One summer, John surprised his young daughters by climbing into the pilot’s seat of a Cessna four-seat prop plane and flying them to the New Jersey shore himself.

As a grandfather, John was full of joy and fun. He loved raucous play and laughter with his young grandchildren and hiding treasures for them to find in his multi-pocketed vest. John always had a story, joke, or quip to share laughter with his family and friends.

John had a lifelong passion for motorcycles. As a young man, he raced Motocross and later enjoyed long road trips with good friends, exploring the hilly back roads of America on his BMW touring bike. He loved finding and restoring vintage motorcycles and had the well-equipped garage to prove it. John’s garage was always filled with motorcycles in various stages of assembly. His restoration skills were legendary in the motorcycle community, and his restored Bultaco Mercurio was featured in Car and Driver in 2015.

John is survived by his sister, Susan Herron Hall of Vallejo, CA; three daughters, Sandra Herron of Indianapolis, IN, Laura Herron of San Diego, CA, Lisa Schafer of Fort Collins, CO; two grandchildren, Julie Schafer of Dillon, CO, and Greg (Audrey) Herron of Fort Collins, CO; and a great granddaughter, Ramona Herron of Fort Collins, CO.

The family will hold a private memorial service. Friends are encouraged to share fond remembrances of John below and invited to honor John’s life with a donation to Motorcycle Relief Project or one’s charity of choice.