John Wilson

John Matheson Wilson was born August 7, 1929 in Frederick, Colorado, and passed away October 22, 2022 in Littleton, Colorado; he was 93.

John spent his early years growing up in Frederick, Colorado, where he graduated from Frederick High School.  He then pursued a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Colorado University.

He served his country in the Korean War (01/31/1951 – 06/12/1953) honorably as a Lieutenant, Junior Grade, earning the United Nation Service Medal Korea.  It is in the Navy, as a Naval Air Craft Carrier Pilot that John’s love of flying took “flight.”  He remained in touch with many of his Navy brothers; gathering annually to reminisce about their Navy days.

John wed Dorothy “Dottie” Mae Jesser in 1952 and were married 30 years at her passing October 11, 1982.  They lived and raised their three children, Gary, Steve, and Debbie for many years in the Bear Valley neighborhood (Denver, CO), and in 1979 they moved to Littleton, Colorado, where John lived until his passing.

He had a long-time career at Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin Aerospace Company) as a Guidance and Control Engineer, retiring in 1991.  John forged many lasting friendships at Martin, and gathered with them often.

John met Joyce Harmon, his “Joycie” October 15, 1985; their loving devotion to one another was 37 years at his passing.

He loved the great outdoors. So much so, that he purchased mountain property above Idaho Springs (elevation: 10,500’) in 1968 and spent two years building a cabin that continues to be a retreat for family to gather to enjoy God’s beauty and create lasting memories.

John’s love of hunting and fishing extended to his sons.  Together, they enjoyed many hunting outings in Haxtun, Holyoke, and many other northeastern towns in Colorado.  Many weekends were spent “wetting a line” at his son, Gary’s family home in Grand Lake, Colorado.

His daughter, Debbie, traveled often with John and Joyce to Laughlin, Nevada, among other places.  He was, however a little worried about the short runway they landed on and took off of. He often said “As a former pilot, that runway looks a little short to me!” He also enjoyed short day trips to the casinos and the surrounding areas.

Flying remote control air planes, then advancing to flying drones with his military buddies, friends, and family was pure joy for him!

Since 1960, John Wilson and family have been devoted members of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.  His faith was extremely important to him and served on many church committees.  He fulfilled God’s call for generosity of time and resources in myriad ways.  He truly knew all he had was a gift from God – always, always, giving thanks for those gifts, and his many blessings.

For all who knew John, they highly regarded him as a man of faith, compassion, integrity, loyalty, generosity, and honor.

To love deeply is one of life’s most profound gifts, and John did so with much joy and grace beyond measure.  He walked along side many, sharing in their successes, joys, and challenges. He will be dearly missed by family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors who benefited from his big heart and giving nature.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Esther Wilson, and his brother Andrew (Drew) Wilson, Jr.  He also follows his wife, Dottie, and his “#2 Son, “Stevie.”

John is survived by his beloved Joyce of 37 years, and two children:  Gary and Debbie.  He has three grandchildren: Brandon, Cameron, and Kayley.  There are also nieces and nephews from John’s extended family.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, November 3, 2022, 10:30am, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 3096 South Sheridan Blvd., The service will be live streamed and you may find the link below. Denver. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.