John Strong

John Paul Strong died on December 2, 2021 at the age of 41. John Paul Strong - Lamiish (JP) was born December 23, 1979 in Toppenish, WA to George Strong Sr and Katherine Jean Smartlowit. John was an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation and raised by George and Doris Strong. John attended the schools in Wapato, WA where he lettered in baseball and cross-country, he participated in basketball too. After graduation, John worked at Yakama Nation Legends Casino as a card dealer and Tract D. John enjoyed art in high school and received a scholarship; because of his love for art, he attended Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) College in Albuquerque, NM. John loved the outdoors; he loved hunting with his brothers and uncles Robert Strong Sr and Walter Manuel. John was a talented artist and well known for his artwork. He joined the Powwow circle as a grass dancer, where he helped design his outfit with Auntie Thelma and Katrina. He danced at all the local Powwow’s. John enjoyed attending open gym with his brothers where they would play basketball. He filled everyone with joy and laughter. John did his best to keep in touch with all his friends and family members. John had respect for both longhouse and shaker faith. John leaves behind five brothers: Richard Smartlowit, Ronnie Smartlowit, George Strong Jr, Victor Strong, Adrian Strong, four sisters: Christine Speedis, Agnes Anderson, Louiza Rivera,Tina Suarez, and parents George and Doris Strong. Grandfather Fred Manuel and the Strong, Tanewasha, Sampson, Slockish and Sweowat family. John was preceded in death by grandparents Robert Strong Sr, Lucille Johnson, Kelly Tanewasha, Johnny Smartlowit and Lavina Mann. Mother Katherine Smartlowit and siblings Loretta Anderson and Kelly Joe Strong. His uncles Reginald Strong, Laurence Tanewasha, Anson Tanewasha, Samuel Strong, Jerry Tanewasha, Robert Strong Jr, Jerome Smartlowit, Robert Smartlowit, John Smartlowit and Joseph Smartlowit. His aunts Priscilla Strong, Anita Tanewasha and Janet Smartlowit. Dressing will take place Friday December 3, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Valley Hills Funeral Home, Wapato with overnight services at Independent church, White Swan. Burial will take place Saturday December 4, 2021, leave at 8:00 to McCoy cemetery, Toppenish. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Strong, please visit our flower store.