John Joseph Wood

John Wood, 53, was born in West Branch, MI to William and Kaye (Mortenson) Wood. On August 9, 2014 his small plane crashed in a field in Iowa killing both himself and his wife, Resia Wood.

He grew up in West Branch. He graduated from Ogemaw Heights High School where he played football and ran track. He attended Michigan State University and then continued on to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida where he obtained a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He went on to earn his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University. His Air Force career included stops at Wright Patterson AFB, OH, Eglin AFB, FL and as a Mechanical Engineering professor at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

He was very active in ultimate frisbee, coaching soccer, football and T-Ball. He loved mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding, riding his motorcycle, and flying his small plane. Family was very important to John and he rarely missed an opportunity to spend time with his kids, brothers, sister and parents. Family reunions provided endless highlight reel material, to include Caribbean cruises, and get-togethers in Michigan, Colorado and Mexico. Motorcycle trips with his siblings happened at least every other year, taking them through the Colorado Rockies and Yellowstone. He was counting the days until the next motorcycle trip, planned for summer 2015, which will feature a Lake Superior Circle Tour. The motorcycle trips were a highlight, starting with the siblings and ending with many family and friends who rode along, and were summed up with one word: Epic!

Recently John took up flying and bought a plane with a friend. Along with his wife, Resia, he flew to Arizona and Wyoming. Returning from Michigan, thus ending their earthly adventures, God chose to call them home.

John was preceded in death by a brother, Jim; and his dad, William; as well as grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his kids, Dan, Josh, Kevin, Lisa and Ethan; mother, Kaye; 3 brothers, Bill (Helen) of Eagle River, AK, Mike (Yunmi) of Los Angeles, CA, Hua Uy of San Diego, CA; and one sister, Terrye (Dean Kinch) of West Branch, MI; and many nieces and nephews, Connie, Karie, Kayla, Dani, Bill, Alexandra, Erin, Samm, Gavin, Faith, Hannah, Thorin, Chloe, and Dalton.

John was a great friend to many, a favorite among the Air Force Academy Instructors, and an awesome brother, father, son and uncle. He will be sadly missed.

Services will be held at the Air Force Academy Chapel, on Friday, August 15, 2014 at 12:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to help his kids finish college. Please send to: Air Academy Federal Credit Union, 9810 N Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80924. Mark for: Wood Family Memorial Fund.