|
Post by pat perry on Oct 20, 2014 21:26:51 GMT 9
Email To Bruce Gookin,
Thanks for calling me Sunday night to tell me John passed away at 9:20 AM Saturday October 18, 2014. Let me know tomorrow after you talk with Ginnie and get more details. I will get this out to the Alumni Committee and our CAM buds tonight. I understand John will be brought back from Redwood City, CA on Monday to a funeral home in Merced.
I remembered that he resisted my attempts to write his bio for Bob Justus’ 456FIS Website but he finally gave in and sent me this. It is unedited and these were his words as he wrote them, salt and all. We have lost a hero. Rest in peace Big Bad John. Thanks, Pat P.
PS: John was a POW in WWII after being shot down over Germany. He was also a Korean War and Vietnam War veteran. He was the Last Commander of the 456th FIS in 1968.
John Marcotte Biography: www.456fis.org/BIO._JOHN_MARCOTTE.htm
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Oct 20, 2014 21:29:38 GMT 9
Paul Ketchum MA-1 wrote:
I once got in a discussion about people who falsely claim to be war heroes and I observed that the greatest heroes that I have encountered were the least likely to brag about it. Reading Big John’s words here validates that conclusion for me. Makes me wonder how many other heroes I have “rubbed shoulders with” over the years.
Paul
|
|
|
|
Post by Jim on Oct 21, 2014 0:31:22 GMT 9
Paul Ketchum MA-1 wrote:
I once got in a discussion about people who falsely claim to be war heroes and I observed that the greatest heroes that I have encountered were the least likely to brag about it. Reading Big John’s words here validates that conclusion for me. Makes me wonder how many other heroes I have “rubbed shoulders with” over the years.
Paul Pat P., Based on the period of your service, you could have "rubbed shoulders" with other hero pilots, co-pilots, navigators, radio operators, flight engineers, gunners, and even infantry, sailors and yes even Marine crossovers from "THE GREATEST GENERATION"
I never served with BIG BAD JOHN, But Sandy and I had the pleasure of meeting him and Ginny in 2008 when we were given the RED CARPET treatment By "Chief O' the Darts" at the Castle Air Museum....... The meeting was unique in that BIG BAD JOHN was in the Merced Hospital. For those of you that received his BIO from Pat, it is all true. As proof, here is an illustration: Within 5 minutes of being in his hospital room, he rang for the nurse. When she came in he said "Nurse where in hell is my bottle of Scotch so I can have a drink with my old friend the Old Sarge?" Later Ginny came in and he told her to write check for the Old Sarge's clock shop relocation fund (Started by MArv Donnely in 2007)..... We surprised him when we stopped in before we continued our travels... He always opened his emails to me with "Well, Old Sarge, how goes the war?" He must have been one hell of a man to have served with....I don't believed he ever experienced the "officer- enlisted gap".... Big John, "You are cleared for take off and GOD speed....." The Old Sarge
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Oct 22, 2014 5:07:59 GMT 9
Dart Mach Buster wrote:
It was a sad day for all of us here in Merced to hear that John had passed away. John was such a great Man and we will all miss John. I have not heard or read of the Funeral arrangements yet, but I will , as I sing in the Funeral Choir at St Patricks' Catholic Church in Merced. Years ago, Sandy I and I would see John leaving the 0730 Mass as we were going in to get ready for the 0900 Mass. John was always stop and talk to us on his way out, and it always made us feel better. I Will keep my eyes open and check the obituaries, but the Choir director always send us a list of Funeral Masses for the week with the readings and songs that we will be singing. "May John's soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, Rest in Peace. From Ralph L Robledo , Family , and all of us at Castle Air Museum
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Oct 22, 2014 5:12:23 GMT 9
Sandy Tom and Steve Keesey (crew chief on Big John's bird 57-2456) wrote:
Thank you for sending the biography. What a life-----what a man. We miss the old reunions. You guys did such a wonderful job of planning. It was wonderful for everyone to visit and tell those stories!!! Sandy
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Oct 22, 2014 5:20:22 GMT 9
Lou Pizzarello MA-1 wrote:
Sad news to hear John has passed. Bruce and I were fortunate to have had breakfast with John and Ginny this past Memorial Day.
Was hoping to get back to CAM for Labor Day, but just couldn't make it. Hope to make another visit before the end of the year.
Lou
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Oct 23, 2014 4:19:38 GMT 9
Colonel Chuck Kuhlman wrote:
Thanks for sending the info on Colonel Marcotte. I did not know him but his story makes me feel like I now know him. A great fighter pilot and commander! During his tenure with the 456th I was assigned to Cape Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in the missile and space launch business. I would have loved to meet him. Best of health and happiness to all of you 456ers out there. Chuck Kuhlman,Colonel USAF, Retired 456th Maintenance Control, 1958-1961
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Oct 23, 2014 4:21:25 GMT 9
Gerald "Beetle" Bailey Hydraulic Shop
I am so sad to see him go. He reenlisted me in Feb of 1968, I still have the pictures. Gerald/Beetle
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Oct 23, 2014 4:23:57 GMT 9
Pat P. wrote to 220 former 456ers and friends:
456th FIS Alumni and friends, We sadly announce the passing of John Charles Marcotte on October 18, 2014.
On behalf of the 456th FIS, Bruce Gookin is having a brick made for John for the Memorial Heritage Park at Castle Air Museum (CAM). The family suggests in lieu of flowers that you make a donation to your favorite charity. John’s favorites included CAM, wounded veterans, USO and Salvation Army.
You may leave messages for the family on the Guest Books at the Newspaper and Funeral Home below. Or, if you have stories to share, just reply to this email and I will post them on the F-106 Forum website here forum.f-106deltadart.com/thread/4859/john-marcotte-october-18-2014 .
In 1966-68 John was our Squadron Commander and a father figure for many of us 18-20 year olds who joined the 456th at that time. He was a demanding leader and made sure we learned from our mistakes as new airmen. When 4 of us created the 456th FIS Alumni Committee in 2001, we recruited John to help us find former members and to raise money to obtain an F-106 aircraft for Castle Air Museum. In 2003 the restored F-106 was dedicated at CAM. When John saw his name on the nose wheel door there were tears in his eyes. This was our tribute to a man we loved and a member of the “Greatest Generation”.
I remembered that John resisted our requests to write his bio for Bob Justus’ 456th FIS Website, but he finally gave in and sent this (click link). It is unedited and these were his words, as he wrote them, salt and all. We have lost a hero. Rest in peace Big Bad John. John Marcotte Bio: www.456fis.org/BIO._JOHN_MARCOTTE.htm
Thanks, Pat Perry & the 456th FIS Alumni Committee
FUNERAL DETAILS: Merced Sun Star Obituary www.legacy.com/obituaries/mercedsunstar/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=172895365
Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home Services Information obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=John-Marcotte&lc=7025&pid=172896698&mid=6166204
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Merced, CA Location and Services Information www.olmstpatrick.org/home St. Patricks Catholic Church 617 E Yosemite Ave Merced, CA 95340-9117
Rosary Service Friday, October 24, 2014 9:30am - 10:00am
Funeral Service Friday, October 24, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am
Visitation Friday, October 24, 2014 12:00pm - 2:00pm Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home 1490 B Street Merced, CA 95340 (209) 722-4191
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Oct 23, 2014 4:57:13 GMT 9
F-106 pilot "Fearless" Fred Williams wrote:
Thanks for the sad news on a treasured friend. I left the 456th after a 5 year stint, 1400 hours in the F-106 and an assignment to APO 23, NY. NY. Also known as the 332nd Top of the World Fighter Squadron, Thule AB, Greenland. As John says, Lots of Dark, Lots of Light. John was our Ops officer and truly an outstanding leader and pilot. I kept up with him and when I became a lead instructor F-106 pilot at Tyndall instructing squadrons in Air Combat Tactics. I went TDY to Oxnard where John was commander and checked his IP's out in ACT. He and Ginnie were gracious hosts. I will miss him very much. Fearless Fred Williams
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Oct 23, 2014 7:25:18 GMT 9
Richard Scorza MA-1 wrote:
I will always cherish the Colonel's "salt." The restoration of 456 is a lasting tribute to a truly great man. Richard Scorza, USAF '66-70 (456th FIS until its decommissioning in '68)
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Oct 26, 2014 2:15:57 GMT 9
From Funeral Home Guest Book
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
To Col. Marcotte family, wish I could be there. I will light a candle and place his name in the prayer book of the dead.
Colonel Marcotte was my Commander at Castle AFB in 1967-68. I was the squadron soft ball coach at that time and Col. Marcotte was our catcher along with Steve Keesey. We also took the base championship from SAC, he really liked that. We had a lot of good times in the 456th.
He loved flying the F-106. One time we were having engine trouble with one of our birds. I asked the Col. to take her up 40,000 ft and shut down the engine and do an air start. I could not simulate that kind of start on the trim pad. He said, SURE. And that was the way he was.
GREAT GUY AND GREAT COMMANDER. Thank you again, Jerry Burns Burleson, Texas Engine Mech 456 FIS
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Oct 26, 2014 2:18:28 GMT 9
From Funeral Home Guestbook
Wednesday, October 22, 2014 Ginny and all of John's family, I only met John twice when he was in Merced Hospital. From his conversation with my wife Sandy and myself- you had one "hell of a great Man" .. Big John, the tower says "you are cleared for take off".... God Bless and God Speed my friend..... The Old Sarge, aka Jim and Sandy Gier
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Oct 26, 2014 2:27:27 GMT 9
Obituary from Stratford Evans Funeral Home:
John Charles Marcotte was born August 2, 1923 in Woodcrest, New Jersey and passed away October 18, 2014 in Redwood City, California. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Louise Searles Marcotte and sons, John Jr., Tim and Terry.
John served as an Air Force fighter pilot for 30 years before retiring to Merced, CA. His passions were flying and golf. His most notable decorations were the Silver Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross w/ 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Bronze Star Medal; Legion of Merit, Air Force Commendation Medal w/ 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Medal w/ 17 Oak Leaf Clusters; Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Service Stars; P.O.W. Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. He served in the following Squadrons, World War II (Member of 56th Fighter Group, Zempke's Wolfpack), NATO affiliation flying F-86 & F-100 in France; 332nd FIS (Portland, OR and Thule Greenland); 456th FIS (Castle AFB and Thule, Greenland; Squadron Commander); and 433rd TFS (Ubon, Thailand; Squadron Commander). His Campaigns were World War II, activated for Korean War, and Vietnam War. He was an avid supporter and instrumental in brining his personal F-106 Delta Dart to Castle Air Museum.
John won several Golf Tournaments including, 1956 & 1960 Albany Golf Tournament, 1973 Fort Lee Championship, 1973 Air Force (ADC) Seniors Tournament, 1982 Merced Golf Club Championship, 1990 Merced Club Invitational.
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Oct 26, 2014 2:54:20 GMT 9
F-106 Pilot Ralph Hanna wrote:
Thank you Pat for sending this note along. And, thanks for urging him to put down his bio on paper. It is very interesting with new info about him. I'm attending a Tyndall "alumni" reunion and several of us traded Marcotte stories. Ralph Hanna
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Oct 30, 2014 22:29:06 GMT 9
Bob Kincaid Aircraft Mechanic Tuesday, October 28, 2014 Col. Marcotte was my first Squadron Commander. The first Colonel I had ever had any contact with. I was just out of Tech School and was assigned to the 456th from 66-68. I only wished that all the officers I had encountered over the next 26 years were as kind, generous and thoughtful as he was. His life experiences made him one of a kind. Rest in peace sir I salute you. Bob Kincaid, Apple Valley, California
456th FIS F-106 Pilot Pat Gillespie Monday, October 27, 2014 DEAR GINNIE, SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. IT BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES OF ALL THE FUN WE HAD WHEN WE WERE IN JOHN'S SQUADRON. POOL PARTYS AND ALL. [1964 -1966] . LOVE PAT AND PJ GILLESPIE
|
|
|
Post by pat perry on Nov 4, 2014 22:47:22 GMT 9
From Ron Kuntz 456th FIS Crew Chief
Sunday, November 02, 2014 It is with great sadness that I am writing. You have my prayers and sympathy. I served under John in 1967 and 68 at Castle. What a man.
Ron Kuntz,
Marietta, Georgia
|
|