John L. Garroutte, 84, of Grand Island, NE, died peacefully April 15, 2021, at his home with family at his side. A celebration of John's life is planned for June25, 2021, from 5 - 7 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel. Your thoughts may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under John's obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. John was born June 2, 1936, in Burbank, OK. He was the youngest son of John and Beulah (Welch) Garroutte. John grew up in the area around Ponca City, OK, attending school there until beginning his horseracing career. John was involved in the horseracing industry in various capacities for over 70 years. As a young boy, he rode horses in match races and county fairs before starting his career as a professional jockey, riding in Oklahoma, Colorado, Louisiana, New Orleans, and New York. He went on to work as a jockey's agent before owning and training thoroughbred horses himself. John married Jerenne on May 27, 1957 in Grand Island, NE. The couple made their home in Grand Island with their children, Randy, Jay and Stacy. John's hobby was his horses, never considering racing a job. He enjoyed gardening, spending time in his barn, and fishing in his spare time. He will be missed by his wife Jerenne, his son Randy, and his daughter Stacy. He will also be missed by his granddaughters, Erica Garroutte and Hannah Hartman, and great granddaughter, Pearl Mae Hartman. Others left to cherish his memory include his brothers, James and Wayne, and a sister, Christine Gaddis. John will also be missed by many lifelong friends who enjoyed his humor and shared his love of horseracing and fishing. John was preceded in death by his parents, his son Jay, and his sisters, Geneva Cross and Dusty Garrison. Celebration of Life Gathering Curran Funeral Chapel Friday, June 25, 2021 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 3005 South Locust Street Grand Island, Nebraska 68801