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John Winfield Jr. passed into the hands of the Lord peacefully on April 12, 2024. John was born on May 22, 1947 in Pennes Grove, New Jersey, son of Geraldine and John Winfield Sr. John's early life was spent in Pennsville, New Jersey, where he attended public school. He graduated from Pennsville HS in 1965. After graduation, he attended Glassboro College. John had a lifelong love for sports. He played basketball and tennis attaining the #1 ranking in tennis for all of New Jersey. In 1967, John joined the United States Air Force. He attended basic training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio. His 1st assignment was at Security Hill at Kelly AFB in the field of Air Force Intelligence. John was extremely proud to be a member of this career field. While stationed in San Antonio, John met and married the former Carol Sansom. He was stationed at Homestead AFB, Kelly AFB, RAF Chicksands, and then on an unaccompanied tour in Korea. Upon completion of this overseas assignment, John elected to separate from the air force to pursue a civilian career. However, he longed for the excitement, camaraderie, and travel offered in military service, therefore, he re-enlisted. In order to return to the air force, John accepted the only field available, coming in as a cook and baker. He switched back to intelligence at the first opportunity and completed the rest of his military career. In 1985, John's life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Because of this debilitating disease, John was forced to retire from active duty while stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland. Luckily, John was able to go to work in Intelligence as a civilian. Despite his disease, John was able to enjoy many activities. He was known as an outgoing, friendly, talkative, storyteller. He enjoyed many hunting trips to west Texas, loved to fish, target shoot, barbecue and various other outdoor activities. He loved traveling and cruising. An avid collector of belt buckles and caps, he collected caps almost every place he went. He would often visit Traders Village Flea market, where he purchased many of the belt buckles for his collection, and talk to friends he made. He spent hours making his rounds in order to meet and greet each of his friends. Always optimistic, John accepted his condition with grace and dignity and fought to the very end. He was preceded in death by his parents, Geraldine and John Winfield Sr. and sister, Diane Davis. He is survived by his wife, Carol, of 54 years, son Brian, daughter-in-law Nina, grandchildren Madeline, Julian, and Grace, four brothers in law, sister-in-law, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. With great sadness and pride, we will celebrate John's life on April 29, at 12:30PM at the Mission Park Funeral Chapel, Cherry Ridge. Interment will be in a private service at Ft. Sam Houston Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Tunnels to Towers (T2T).

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John Winfield Jr.

May 22, 1947 - April 12, 2024