John Guthrie

July 2, 1924 - February 4, 2008

BEDFORD -- John A. Guthrie Jr. quietly passed Monday, Feb. 4, 2008, due to complications suffered from a stroke. Graveside service: 10:30 a.m Friday in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Lane B, Dallas, with military honors. John was born in Ozark, Ark., on July 2, 1924. He served in the Army Air Corps, seeing action in the Timian islands. Following the war, John earned his private and commercial pilot's licenses, along with an AE/AP certification. John flew commercially for American Airlines 39 years and retired in 1988. He was a longtime member of the AOPA, Antique Airplane Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, Golden Wings, Quite Birdman Society, Wings of Hope, the Texas Chapter of Honda Riders and the Iron Butt Association. John lived a wonderful life. He circled the globe by air and motorcycle. Known in aviation circles as a great pilot and quality AE/AP, he focused his life around travel and aviation. On Monday, John A. Guthrie joined a new flight crew with his God. He was preceded by his parents, John A. Guthrie and Jewell Russell. Survivors: Wife, Viavonne Guthrie; daughter, JoAnne Guthrie Perez; sons, John A. Guthrie 3rd and Jerry Guthrie; stepsons, Robert Wimberely, Ray Wimberely and Ron Wimberely; stepdaughter, Ralynda Wimberely; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.