John Brown

LT. Colonel John D. (J.D.) Brown went to heaven February 4, 2011. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Stella; daughter, Karen Snell (Pete in heaven November 2007); son, J. Michael Brown (Manuela CJ Brown); seven grandchildren, Joshua, Nathan, Katie, Kristin, Jared, Sam, Jack and six great-grandchildren. Colonel Brown enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 at Salem Illinois and completed his pilot training through Aviation Cadets in March 1945. In 1951 he transitioned into Jet Fighter Aircraft and was assigned to Korea where he flew 100 combat sorties in the F-84 Aircraft. In 1953 he represented Tactical Air Command during tests at Elgin AFB to develop nuclear weapon delivery (labs) from fighter aircraft; after which he was assigned the 509th Fighter Bomber SQ. at Langley AFB, VA. In 1959-60 he was assigned to PACAF Headquarters where he was Instrumental in developing, quick strike fighter alert tactics for the pacific command. In 1962 he was selected as one of the initial cadre of instructor pilots for the introduction of the F-4 aircraft into tactical command. Later on serving as squadron commander of the 4456th combat crew training squadron at Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona. He completed a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1966 serving on the staff at 7AF headquarters as director of strike plans for a special joint task group. In 1969 until his retirement in 1971 he was assigned as chief fighter operations division tactical air command. Colonel Brown was awarded the distinguished flying cross, bronze star, air-medal with four clusters and the air force commendation medal with cluster. He retired August 1, 1971 after 28 years of distinguished service. After his military service, he remained active in aviation serving as chief pilot for Cochise Airlines and corporate flying until 1985. After which he became an avid golfer at DMAFB. Services for Colonel Brown will be Friday, February 11, 2011 at Pantano Baptist Church, 225 South Pantano Road, Tucson, AZ 85710. Viewing 12:00 p.m., Memorial Service 12:30 p.m., Laid to rest with Military Honors at East Lawn Cemetery 2:00 p.m. Donations, in lieu of flowers are to be directed to Gideons International Tucson East Camp, P.O. Box 30777, Tucson, AZ 85751-0777. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.