John T. Zastrow

PHOENIX – On August 10, 2020, the Honorable John T. Zastrow peacefully adjourned to the heavens at 82 years of age. John lived in Phoenix, Arizona, where he is survived by his wife Christel, his son Stephen, his daughter-in-law Julia (Steve’s wife), and his three grandchildren, Alexandra, Ivy, and Van – all of whom will miss him very much.

John was born in Wausau, Wisconsin, on December 2, 1937. The son of a Navy serviceman, John and his family moved from place to place during his youth. Eventually, he would make his way to California where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Public Administration both from the University of California at Los Angeles. John was the first member of his family to attend college and a fervent believer in the importance of education. After moving to Arizona, he went on to earn a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Arizona State University College of Law.

A lifelong public servant, John began his career in the military serving to the rank of 1st lieutenant. He later became Assistant Director of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns and an Assistant City Attorney with the City of Scottsdale. He was first appointed to the bench as a City Court Judge in Phoenix and later a Maricopa County Superior Court Judge pro tem. In 1982, John was again appointed to the bench, this time as a United States Immigration Judge in the Department of Justice where he served his country for more than 20 years.

In his retirement, John lead a quiet private life. He could most often be found in his favorite chair with a book in one hand and the TV remote in the other. Still, John loved to travel with his wife, Christel. In fact, they would venture to the beaches of Acapulco every spring for as long as he was able to do so. And even when it became difficult for John to leave the house, he enjoyed visiting his grandchildren and fruitlessly debating politics with his son at family dinners.

John’s life will be celebrated by his immediate family at a private service to be held later