John P. Starrett

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by J. A. "Andy" Chacon on May 20, 2010:

John Paul Starrett Born June 17, 1927 -- Died March 22, 2010 John Paul Starrett was born in Trenton, New Jersey on 17 June 1927 and was appointed to West Point from the 4th Congressional District. His West Point classmates recall: "`Sparky,' unification bound, deserted the `swabbies' for a better life. Finding West Point up to his standards, he decided to stay, but not without a running fight with academics. However, extremely versatile, he is most happy in a canoe with fishing rod or ukelele. He continually exercised his God-given power of wit on all, but was well loved for it and will undoubtedly continue to be so." During his cadet days Sparky was with the Art Club all four years; went out for Fencing plebe year and earned Numerals; was with the Pointer Calendar, the Ski and Skeet Clubs plebe and yearling years; was with the German and Fishing Clubs yearling, cow, and first class years; and was a Cadet Lieutenant his first class year. Upon graduation Sparky went in the Air Force and after flying training reported to the 97th Air Refueling Squadron where he served from 1953 to 1955. His next assignment was with the 3080th Aviation Depot Group and served from 1956 to 1958 then went to the 10th Aviation Depot Squadron in Morocco and served until 1959. Sparky's next duty assignment was with the 42 Bomb Wing from 1959 to 1963 and from there went to Headquarters, United States Air Forces in Europe where he served until 1966. In 1966 Sparky attended the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Virginia and on completion was assigned to Headquarters, United States Air Force and served until 1970. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. In 1970 Sparky earned a Master of Science degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California and on completion was ordered to Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Republic of Vietnam where he served until 1971 and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy. In 1971 Sparky was appointed to the Office Secretary of Defense as Liaison with the Atomic Energy Commission, a position he held until 1974, which just happens to coincide with the writer's assignment to the Division of Military Application of the AEC at Germantown. Sparky's last military assignment was as Deputy Commander 379th Bomb Wing, Wurtsmith AFB from 1974 to 1978 when he retired from the United States Air Force as a Colonel. Sparky made his home in Oscoda, Michigan. The Eagle Record published the following obituary on 3/25/2010 TRAVERSE CITY � John P. Starrett, 82, of Traverse City, died Monday evening, March 22, 2010, at Cherry Hill Haven following a long illness. Born June 17, 1927, in Hackensack, N.J., he was the son of the late Raymond A. and Gertrude (Flucker) Starrett. On April 22, 1953, in San Antonio, Texas, he married the former Eileen J. Graves, who preceded him in death on March 18, 1987. John was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and earned his master's degree from USC. He honorably served his country with the United States Navy during World War II. After he graduated from West Point in 1951, he went into the Air Force, where he served with distinction and honor for 30 years. John was truly dedicated to the welfare of our country. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading history and traveling. John is survived by his loving daughters, Pamela J. (Daniel) Hutchinson of Haymarket, Va., and Susan J. Starrett of Chicago, Ill.; along with four grandchildren, Rebecca, Eileen, Nicholas and Christine. In addition to his parents and wife, John was also preceded in death by a daughter, Lisa; and his brother, Robert. Friends may call at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Saturday, March 27, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m., where the Starrett Family will receive friends. Graveside services with full Military Honors will be held on Monday, March 29, 2010, at 3 p.m., at the Graves Cemetery in Castalia, Ohio. In remembrance of John, memorials may be directed to MADD � Mother's Against Drunk Driving, or Cherry Hill Haven. Envelopes may be obtained at the funeral home.

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