John Charles McAlister, age 75 of Mesa, AZ, passed away on August 6, 2024, from complications related to cancer.  John was born on February 10, 1949, the second of four children, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Charles and Mary McAlister.  He was raised in Lexington, Kentucky, and graduated from Tates Creek High School. He attended Westminster College, where he met his wife, Wee-zee Jones McAlister, whom he married in 1970.  John started work as a printer at Deluxe before moving into management, and he served as director of Camp Miniwanca before retiring to pursue photography.

Frequently quoting that "not all who wander are lost", John enjoyed traveling extensively within the United States as well as abroad, always with his camera in tow.  A close friend to many, he loved cooking for others, sharing stories, and hosting dinner parties.  His cookbook, "Boys Who Cook for the Ones They Love", combines his love of cooking, photography, and bringing people together. His photography was deeply influenced by his spirituality, and in his own words, John was "fascinated by images and how the world is represented through the eyes of others with a special interest in Native Americans and their way of life".

Predeceased by his beloved wife, Wee-zee, and his parents, John is survived by his daughter, Kara McAlister (Daniel); his granddaughter, Zoe; his older brother, Doug (Nancy); his younger brother, Alan (Janice); his sister, Kate (Michael); his partner, Lori; and his nieces and nephews.

Following John's wishes, his ashes were committed to sea alongside his wife's off the coast of Hawaii in January, 2025. Memorial donations may be made to a Camp Miniwanca scholarship fund established in John's name following this link . Please select the option for a dedication "In Memory of" and designate the Honoree as "John McAlister Miniwanca Scholarship Fund".