Paul St. John Fleming passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 5, 2023.
Paul was a proud Scouser born on June 7, 1946, in Liverpool, England to George Alfred and Ada Evelyn. Tragically, he lost his father at a young age to tuberculosis. After his father’s death, Paul’s mum gathered her young family for a new opportunity across The Pond and they arrived in Salt Lake City, UT on Paul’s 15th birthday. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Stephen, and sisters Vivienne and Debbie. His sister, Alma, is the lone survivor of the family who ventured across the Atlantic aboard the RMS Sylvania.
Neil Allred was one of Paul’s first friends in America and remained a lifelong friend until he passed away in 2021. After arriving in Salt Lake City, Paul was enrolled at East High School where he was an outstanding soccer player. It was soon discovered that Paul had already qualified to graduate high school after his years of attending the Bankfield School for Boys in Liverpool. In need of good soccer players, the University of Utah recruited Paul where he was a member of the club for two seasons spanning 1961 to 1963 where he wore his lucky #13 as a goalkeeper.
Paul married Barbara Monson on August 12, 1970, after he met Barbara on State Street. Barbara was looking for a Beatle and this young man with a British accent swept her off her feet. They have two daughters, Leigh Banks (Lou) and Hillary Cahoon. Paul was known as Poppy to his 6 grandchildren – Bryan, Paul, Brett (preceded in death), Michael, Kara, and Marinn.
Paul was a Beatle at heart, he met them at the Cavern Club in Liverpool before the Beatles were famous. Once in The States, he continued with his passion for music, playing in several bands and working as a DJ for the radio station KRSP where he was known as Paul St. John.
He was immensely proud of his 20 years of service as a Salt Lake County Sherriff where he worked on the vice squad, as a detective, and as a corporal. Police work is very difficult, but Paul took great joy in the countless numbers of lives that he saved. He went on to write a weekly column for The Salt Lake Tribune recounting his diverse experiences as a police officer and published a compilation of those incidents in a book called “Between Donuts”.
We will miss Our Poppy, but we find peace knowing that he is with his family and friends that have gone before him.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 10 at 2 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E. 10600 S. Sandy, UT) with interment following at Larkin Sunset Gardens. A viewing/gathering will be held prior to the services starting at 12pm.
Those wishing to view the Completed service via Zoom can click "Watch Services" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/tMbX5LWbDxAwTqLPCrxt2hkCt6lHDqW5cb84ZCcHp1Ht2h25aJkS3LDgGXqmeEqK.lCLfoT4rkb9Cmjyl?startTime=1676061352000
Barbra, I'm so sorry to hear about Paul's passing. Praying for the Lord's blessings to be upon your family. Deepest Sympathies and condolences at this tender time.
Thank you Paul for inspiring me to pursue a career in Law Enforcement. You taught me so much. My sincerest condolences to all who loved him. You will be missed.
I first met Paul when I was 17 through a mutual friend & co-worker Michael G. Kavanagh at KRSP Radio . I was looking to go into broadcasting , Paul became my mentor , teaching me the in's and out's of radio . Years later in early 1979 , I received a telephone call from Paul ( I was laid off from a local tv station ) , asking me if I was interested in a job at the Sheriff's Office , I told him yes , he "good , I've got you signed up to take the written test , meet with Sgt. Kevin Grey this Saturday at the Metro Hall of Justice" . The rest they say is history . Paul and I stayed in contact periodically with each other , after domestic life took hold , razing our own families . Paul's passing shocked me but he'll will live forever in my heart , and I'm proud to call Paul my friend ....
Sad day. Great person, colorful deputy, loved his interest on Sheriff's Office.
I worked alongside Paul in West Patrol and enjoyed his light banter during lunch breaks. He was a very pleasant person to be around. I am saddened to learn of his passing.
I worked alongside Paul in West Patrol and enjoyed his light banter during lunch breaks. He was a very pleasant person to be around. I am saddened to learn of his passing.
I listened to St John on the radi and enjoyed him. I enjoyed Paul while on the office together. Very nice man. Too early for him. God Bless Barbara and the family. It saddens us all.
I’m so sorry too hear about Paul’s passing. He and I had many great times both here and in Liverpool, I’ll never forget all the concerts he and I used to go to, he was the MC at a lot of those and introduced me to B.B.King and John Denver among others..I miss our weekend parties at your house. I’ll never forget get you old friend and will miss my mentor and fellow Scouser. Love to Barbara and the kids. Rick and Karen
I knew of Paul when he was a DJ listening to him on the radio and as time went by I was working at the Sheriff's office when a guy in a deputy's uniform approached me at a crime scene and when he started talking I immediately recognized his voice and before I could get out "are you" Paul said yes I am! I found that Paul was very pleasant to be with, was very compassion of his work and others and was easy going and always had a smile on his face I enjoyed working with Paul as well as going to his cook outs at his home, I'm sorry for your loss he was a wonderful man. God Bless.
I firsr met Paul when he was living in the Trolley Square water tower doing a promotion for KRSP and I was working uniformed security for Trolley Square. He was deeply interestd in law enforcement and had seemingly incessant questions about the job. I, and other deputies working there, encouraged him to look further and he eventually joined the Sheriff's Office. We worked together in patrol occasionally when he wasn't on other assignments. After I was promoted Paul came back to patrol and I was fortunate to have him as my Corporal (# 2 in deferance to his English heritage). Paul was a good cop (from the English constable on patrol) both stern or compassioate as was necessary. Paul was a true renaissance man, author, musician, humorist, public servant, and above all a dedicated family man. We are all better for having known him.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish you had let me know so I could have gone. Maybe you didn't have my number. 801-865-3822. I've been dealing with some health problems myself, found out I have a rare form of leukemia. Please call me Barbara. Diane
I met Paul many many years ago .He pulled me over because I was all over the road. I was looking for my lost dog. He helped me find the dog and I would run into him in Taylorsville all the time. He was such a funny guy, always had a story to tell me. He always talked about his wife and family and how much he cared and worried for them to always be taken care of in case something ever happened to him. He will forever be watching over you.
I met Paul many many years ago .He pulled me over because I was all over the road. I was looking for my lost dog. He helped me find the dog and I would run into him in Taylorsville all the time. He was such a funny guy, always had a story to tell me. He always talked about his wife and family and how much he cared and worried for them to always be taken care of in case something ever happened to him. He will forever be watching over you.
I was a student of Mrs. Fleming at Lake Ridge Elementary (she was my favorite teacher). We all thought it was so cool that Mrs. Fleming's husband was a rock-n-roll DJ! I want to send my condolences to the Fleming family, may time bring you peace and joy in remembering the love you shared.