John “Boomer” Gettman, 55, of Santa Barbara, sadly passed away on Jan. 23, 2026 in Pocatello, Idaho.
John was born on May 19, 1970 to John William Gettman and Corlyn Kay Gettman in Santa Barbara.
Growing up in Santa Barbara, John loved being outside. As a child he found joy in spending time camping and fishing with his family at Lake Cachuma. He was an adventurous little boy often getting into mischief.
As John grew up, he developed a passion for soccer. He started playing for the Boys and Girls Club at just five years old. He continued playing in AYSO throughout childhood all the way through high school.
After John graduated from San Marcos High School in 1989 he started working for his father in the family business, Fotoscreen printing.
In 1991, John met Rosie, the love of his life, and they wed in 1996 at the Santa Barbara Mission surrounded by friends and family.
John and Rosie went on to have two beloved sons Gabriel Adam Gettman and Gavin Peter Gettman. Becoming a father was John’s greatest accomplishment in life. He took great pride in his sons and loved them and Rosie dearly. His most cherished memories were spending time with them.
In addition to working at Fotoscreen Printing, he continued to pursue his love of sports. He took up golf, continued to play soccer in a local adult league, ran the Los Angeles Marathon, and partook in long-distance cycling up and down the Central Coast.
Once John retired from soccer, he developed a new found joy in coaching his loved ones. He coached soccer for his nieces, nephews and son Gavin through AYSO and at all three Catholic elementary schools in Santa Barbara.
He made an impact on all the children he coached. Leading his teams to victory almost every game. He was extremely passionate about soccer and wanted to share that with others.
Beyond John’s skills as an athlete, he was known for his kindness. He had an amazing sense of humor and a kind soul that made everyone around him feel welcomed.
He had a magnetic personality that attracted people to him. He cultivated many friendships over his lifetime, many starting in childhood. John touched the lives of all who knew him and will continue to live on in our memories and hearts forever.
John was predeceased by his father John William Gettman and his mother Corlyn Kay Gettman. He is survived by his two beloved sons Gabriel and Gavin Gettman; the mother of his children Rosie Ornelas; sister Kristen Molitor; niece and nephew Brianna Johnson and Jordan Kenney; and great nieces and nephew Jasper, Hana and Riley.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to RESQCATS, as a way to honor John’s love of animals. The rescue holds a special place in the family’s heart as it is where they adopted their cherished cat, Tom.