Graduating from Big Piney High School in 1954 was just the beginning for John Tanner's educational experiences. John attended the University of Wyoming and earned his degree in agriculture. While a student, John was an honorary member of Phi Epsilon Phi, Omicron Phi and Alpha Zeta. He spent six months abroad with time in England and Wales as an exchange student. While at U.W., John had the distinct privilege of being a Cowboy Joe handler.
After graduating, John used his agriculture degree for twenty-six years working for the Budd Hereford Ranch. John left ranching to become the maintenance and custodial contractor for Sublette County School District 9. He took great pride in his job and developed an excellent rapport with not only the teachers but with the students as well. John returned his appreciation to the students by donating countless years to BPHS's Scholarship Fund. After eight years with the school district, John left to become a field inspector for Williams Field Service. After eighteen years of service there, John retired. Throughout his over fifty years of employment, John Tanner always found time to serve and improve Sublette County.
John Tanner was a board member of many county and town organizations including the Volunteer Fire Department for twelve years, the Teton Hospital Board (before Sublette formed one) and the Green River Valley Museum. He also served the Sublette County Historical Society as well as The Wyoming Stock Growers Association. His leadership abilities become evidenced by his serving as President of the Big Piney Lion's Club, Sublette County Farm Bureau, as well as being Chairman of Sublette School District 9 Board of Trustees for ten years.
At a young age, John worked with his father and other prominent Big Piney citizens at the free Fourth of July barbeque. He has done everything from gathering donations and rounding up beef to butchering, cooking, serving, and of course, cleanup. Visitors and tourists were amazed but perhaps not impressed with John stirring the bean vat with boat paddle!
For more than fifty years, John has been a member of the Masonic Lodge including two terms as Master, the Eastern Star, Korean Shrine, Sublette Commandary and the Royal Arch Masons.
John joins his father Francis, Class of 1927, and his brother Bob, Class of 1957, as a Distinguished Alumni of Big Piney High School.