John West WILLMOTT

WILLMOTT, John West
John West Willmott, a longtime resident of West Palm Beach, passed away peacefully at his home on March 11, 2016 at the age of 101. Born in Huntington, Long Island, New York, John lived at Hilltop Farm with his parents and six siblings until he joined the Coast Guard. He spent a year on Fire Island before going to Radio School and then served on the Nike and the Tampa. He was a pilot during World War II, the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard, the Navy, and the Army. In addition, John was a commercial pilot, an artist, a newspaper columnist, a real estate agent, a model, a motel owner, an art and antique gallery owner, a boat builder, and probably many other things we can no longer remember. John was an inveterate storyteller, both in person and in his prolific writing. When asked about the secret of his longevity, John attributed it to three things that he always needed in his life: a good cup of coffee, a good woman, and the adrenaline rush from adventure. He was blessed by having all of these things throughout his life. John was predeceased by his wives Jacqueline Willmott (née Brinkman), Suzanne Willmott (née Rode), and Joan Willmott (née Stevens). John is survived by his sons John Williamson, Charles (CB) Williamson, Donald Williamson, and Russell Willmott; his stepdaughter Roxy (Laura) White; his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. All of us will remember him fondly as he makes his final flight.
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