John Garrett Stam, M.D., 58, passed away unexpectedly on March 3, 2026, in Tacoma, Washington. He was born on April 14, 1967, in Columbus, Ohio, to Richard P. Stam, M.D., and Elaine Schoonhagen Stam. The family moved in 1969 to Rehoboth, New Mexico, where John spent his childhood and youth. He attended Rehoboth Christian School through ninth grade and graduated from Gallup High School class of 1985. In his youth, John was a regional champion swimmer, and in high school he became a standout basketball player.

John earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Mexico in 2002. Through determination and perseverance, he went on to graduate from the University of New Mexico - School of Medicine in 2006. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Michigan State University Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, before beginning a distinguished medical career that would take him to Michigan, Idaho, Alaska, and Washington.

John built a respected career as a board-certified Internal Medicine physician. For 15 years, he served as a Hospital Internist at CommonSpirit Health in Seattle, Washington, where he cared for his patients with dedication, skill, and compassion. His colleagues and patients alike knew him as a physician who was deeply committed to the care and well-being of others.

One of the greatest joys of John's life was the birth of his daughter, Brooke Taylor, in 1996. As his only child, Brooke remained a cherished and constant presence in his life, and the bond they shared was deeply meaningful to him.

John was drawn to the Pacific Northwest by his deep love of the outdoors and its natural beauty. He found joy and renewal in boating, golfing, skiing, biking, hiking, fishing, and spending time in nature-passions that remained with him throughout his life.

John is survived by his daughter, Brooke Taylor Stam; his father, Richard P. Stam, M.D.; his sisters, Michelle Stam Maclaren, M.D. (Scott Maclaren) and Beth Milligan (Kenneth Milligan); and a large and loving extended family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Elaine Schoonhagen Stam.

John will be deeply missed by his many family members, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his love of the outdoors, and the determination and perseverance that shaped both his life and career. Through his work as a physician and through the relationships he built over the years, John touched many lives, and his memory will remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

John's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 8th, at 11:00am, at French Funerals & Cremations, 9300 Golf Course Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114, followed by a Reception also at French Funerals. A Graveside Service will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery at 924 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107.

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6 (NIV