John Jacob Paulson

John Jacob Paulson, Retired Commander of the US Navy and Commissioned Lay Pastor, died on September 13, 2023 in Carmel, Indiana. Married to Patricia Dawn Paulson (Andersen) for 59 years, John was the proud father of Brent Eric Paulson (Angie) and Tricia Lynn Walter (Tim); grandfather of Hilliary Cofer (Danny), Lily Catron (Korben), Graley Walter and Steven Walter; and great-grandfather to Molly and Mia Cofer. Born September 14, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois, John was a lifelong die-hard CUBS fan. He also was a Viking from North Park Academy High School, a Boilermaker from Purdue University and a Wolverine from the University of Michigan! After meeting Pat at a bowling alley, he knew he hit a strike and they were married December 23, 1964. Pat and John enjoyed many adventures during their almost 60 years together! Beginning with 24 years in the Navy where they moved often as John’s career took him far and wide to exotic locations like Athens, GA, San Diego, CA, Sasebo, Japan, Great Lakes, IL, Seattle, WA, Newport, RI and Philadelphia, PA (where they enjoyed the exotic beaches of the Jersey Shore). His last station was Indianapolis, IN of all places! He was stationed on two ships: USS SCHOFIELD (FFG-3) and USS MARS (AFS-1). He retired from the Navy at Naval Avionics in Indianapolis in 1989. Throughout these adventures, John and Pat were involved in serving God in many local churches along the way, culminating when they joined Faith Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. John served Faith as a Sunday School teacher, an Elder, a Parish Associate, a Minister of Visitation, as well as several other capacities. John also served as the moderator of Whitewater Valley Presbytery, commissioner to the Synod of Lincoln Trails and as a Commissioner to the General Assembly of the PCUSA. Adventures continued after John’s retirement from the Navy. They remained in Indianapolis, and John served the Indiana State Government for about 12 years. John liked to say that he had the distinction of being fired from two jobs in the State Government by the O’Bannon administration for not being a good enough Democrat! After his government service, John saw the light and attended Commissioned Lay Pastor training through the Synod of Lincoln Trails and pastored First Presbyterian Church in Greenfield, IN for over 13 years. Who can forget his Storytimes with Cookie Monster? Of his three careers, John always said he enjoyed serving God the best! John and Pat loved traveling. They especially loved the Happiest Place on Earth, Disney World, which is only fitting for the Happiest Couple on Earth. Driving was part of the adventure for them, and it often took several days to arrive at any location, no matter the distance. When they weren’t traveling out of state, they enjoyed long drives to their favorite restaurant, Wheeler’s, and were known and loved there too. Whether it was John and Pat, or Pat and John, he was Pat’s Evermore as they lived, worked, and served side by side for 59 years! John was an inspiration to all on how to enjoy life and serve others well. He always had a big smile for everyone he met. We are all blessed to have known and loved him. He is fully healed and more alive than ever. Baptism is now complete! Funeral will be held Monday, September, 18, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church, 8170 Hague Road, Indianapolis, IN 46256, with visitation beginning at 5:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Presbyterian Church.

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John Jacob Paulson

September 14, 1941 - September 13, 2023