John, known as Johnny to many, was born and raised in San Jose, California. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era, his adventurous spirit led him to live in many places across the country, including California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, Arizona, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Florida.

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John worked primarily in construction for much of his life, but his true passion was aviation – more specifically, being a pilot. His interest in aviation began in early childhood when he learned that his father had trained as a pilot during World War II. John earned his commercial pilot license while living in Alaska and spent time working as a crop duster in the Midwest. Later, he used his flying skills to tow gliders, give glider rides, and provide flying lessons at Sugarbush Soaring in Vermont.

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Another passion of John’s was snow skiing. An avid skier and longtime ski instructor, he was always looking forward to his next adventure on the mountain. Whether skiing with friends or setting out on his own, he had a way of connecting with people and making new friends on the slopes – it was just the way he was.

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John had a strong sense of wanderlust, driven by curiosity and a desire to learn more about places, people, and cultures. He crisscrossed the United States many times over and took opportunities to travel abroad when they arose, including three months traveling the circumference of Australia; over a month exploring Spain, Portugal, and France; and, most recently, nearly two weeks in Israel. His wanderlust was never quenched, and he dreamed of experiencing many more destinations.

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Those who knew John know that he didn’t sit still for very long. He loved spending time in his workshop, where he could be found building or fixing something, often at the request of others. Show him a picture of what you wanted, and he would make it. If he didn’t know how, he would figure it out, drawing on his creativity and years of hands-on experience. Curious, adaptable, and endlessly capable, John embodied what many would call a true renaissance man. We think that describes him to a “T.”

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While John had many great stories from his adventurous life, he was also a thoughtful listener who genuinely cared about how others were doing. Over the years, he formed deep and lasting friendships, staying connected with people from every chapter of his life, which speaks volumes about who he was.

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Faith was a steady foundation throughout John’s life. He spent time reading and studying his Bible, often revisiting his favorite passages over and over. One of his favorites was Ecclesiastes 3:1–8: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” – a reflection of the life he lived and the seasons he embraced.