John David Wakelin

Brigadier General John David Wakelin, U.S. Army (Retired), of Lynn Haven, Florida passed away in San Marcos, California in January of 2026 at 90 years of age. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family.

John Wakelin was born January of 1936 in San Francisco, California. He was the son of Algernon Thomas Wakelin and Maria Pasqualina (Timoli) Wakelin. He graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School, entering the University of San Francisco where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy with a minor in Physics. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through ROTC in 1959.

While attending an AT&T course in Brooklyn, New York, John met Janis, the love of his life. Following an assignment in Korea, he returned to serve at West Point Military Academy as communications officer. He and Janis were married in April the following year. During their 58 years of marriage, they were blessed with five children and seventeen grandchildren.

John continued his education while in the service, attending the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the National War College, and completing master's level course work at San Diego State University.

John served his country with distinction and devotion for 30 years in many significant command and leadership roles at home and abroad, including Germany, Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Grenada before retiring from the Army as a Brigadier General. From there he began his second 30-year career at SAIC and its spin-off corporation Leidos, Inc. There he oversaw numerous programs delivering large-scale computing systems to both public and private sector clients. He would go on to retire completely in 2019.

To anyone who knew him, and especially to his family, John was a man who epitomized the phrase "God, Family, Country." His service to his country was simply the backdrop to what was his true life's work - his love and devotion to Jesus Christ and His Church. This calling would extend to everyone and everything in his life - a profound and fruitful witness to humble and caring service for others. This legacy is cherished by his family and the many friends who loved him.

General Wakelin is survived by Jan, their five children and spouses - John (Kelly), Jennifer (Ted), Scott (Maya), Heather (Bobby), and Jaclyn (Andrew) - and 17 grandchildren. He is also survived by his Sister-in-Law Judi (Eric), Brother-in-Law Jeff, nephew Eran (Anne), niece Claire, and his beloved Patti and her daughter Ashley.

Preceding General Wakelin in death are his parents, Algernon and Maria Wakelin, and Sister Marjorie Wakelin, his sister.


♦ Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Poway, California on February 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM. A reception will follow.
♦ Interment at Miramar National Cemetery at 2:15 PM. If you plan to attend, please arrive by 1:45 PM.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to Culture of Life Family Services, Escondido, California or Life Choices, Poway, California.