Johne Ray Tuthill

1923 - 2012

Johne Ray Tuthill

Johne Ray Tuthill of Tallahassee passed away in the presence of his loving family on September 19, 2012. At the time of his passing he was 88 years old. Johne was born in St. Louis, Missouri on December 5, 1923. In 1940, at the age of 16 he entered into the Navy where he had a distinguished aviation career. Johne served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and then again during the Korean War.

In 1948, Johne married Alma Jean Midgett in Norfolk, Virginia. They had 3 children Karen, Donna and Ray. Twelve years later Alma succumbed to cancer. Having retired and while working at the Bureau of Naval Affairs in Washington, Johne met the second love of his life, Janice Jean Tuthill. They were married in Washington, DC, in February of 1962.

Even though he was limited in activities due to a service related injury, Johne lived a full life, which encompassed fishing, hunting, sharing the stories of the men he served with in the Navy, and his true passion of flying. As a licensed commercial pilot he shared his life long enthusiasm for powered flight with the young and old alike. He will always be remembered for his deep sense of honor, duty and selfless service to his family, friends and nation.

Johne was preceded in death by his first wife Alma and his oldest daughter Karen Rae Calhoun. Johne is survived by his second wife of 50 years, Janice Jean Tuthill, a brother, William A. Tuthill and family residing in Napa, CA. Johne's deceased daughter, Karen Rae Calhoun's daughters are Christina McConnell, Kimberly Calhoun, and Vanessa Calhoun-Mondeau, and husband David and son Parker (the only great grandson with another brother or sister on the way); Johne's youngest daughter, Donna Maria Kopsick, and her husband John of Macon GA, and son, Christopher Balance; Johne's son, Johne Allen Ray Tuthill, his wife Colleen, and two sons Scott and Ryan Tuthill of Whitehall, MT.

Sunday, September 23, Lake Talquin Baptist Church, at 21335 Blountstown Hwy, will host a 2 p.m. visitation in the main chapel followed by a 2:30 p.m. memorial service. An informal reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308 or Alzheimer's Project Inc., 301 E. Tharpe St., Tallahassee, FL 32308 or a charity of your choice.