A legacy of following dreams
John Marchlowsk (back right) with his family on a trip to Alaska in 2023. From left to right, grandson Jack, daughter Amber, daughter-in-law Meg, wife Patty, son’s girlfriend Grace and son Alex.
“Every king has his legacy,” begins the description of the book His Majesty’s Legacy, written by resident John Marchlowska, pen name J.J. March. If the words were changed to “Every man has his legacy,” John’s would be filled with love, kindness, service and following his dreams.
John met his wife, Patty, in high school in Tampa. After high school, John joined the Air Force, later enlisted in the Army, and was a military policeman for 15 years. “I always had a strong sense of justice and wanting to help people,” John said.
John served eight years with the National Guard, stating that his many deployments were difficult and he wanted to devote more time to family. While in the National Guard, John mentioned a dream of becoming an attorney, so Patty bought him an LSAT book and encouraged him to get going. John shared that Patty has been supportive and pivotal in many of his life choices.
“I’ve been lucky to have met the woman I love early in life. We have a tremendously great marriage,” John said.
Retiring in 2020, John finished his career with the Department of Defense as the Director of Program Integrity, an anti-fraud healthcare program. Patty worked as an ICU nurse for many years and now is an executive director at a pharmaceutical company.
When John expressed a desire to write a book in retirement, Patty handed John a laptop and encouraged him to start. John’s love of medieval times, ancient ruins, castles and history culminated in his well-received first book.
“This is not a fairytale story that’s clear about good and evil. This is a story about people who deal with their own flaws as they go about their lives,” John stated on his book.
His Majesty’s Legacy was recognized as an Independent Author Network Finalist and won an Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite. “It’s a thrill,” John exclaimed.
Early in their journey, John and Patty fell in love with Colorado. John described a drive in Colorado Springs when he was stationed at Fort Carson. Looking at the snow-capped mountains on a beautiful day, John and Patty discussed putting roots down and bought their first house two months later. They moved to a new house in The Canyons in 2021 with space for Patty’s mom.
John has been to 32 countries, with more on his list. The couple will celebrate their 38th wedding anniversary this year and are planning a trip to Spain. “I love learning about the local culture of a place,” John expressed. The Marchlowskas have two grown children, Amber and Alex. In addition to doting on their grandson, Jack, and anticipating another grandchild this year, John and Patty spend time volunteering with their church.
John and Patty Marchlowska on an anniversary trip in 2024 to Klis Fortress, near Split, Croatia, The medieval castle, one of many the couple have visited, provided inspiration for John’s book.
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of John Marchlowska
