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John Schofield Obituary
A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., he retired from the Air Force in 1977 after 21 years of service and had lived in Hampton for the past 36 years. His many educational degrees were from Pennsylvania State University, Tampa University and two from Purdue University. While in the Air Force, he flew in SAC for five years, where he was one of the youngest pilots to fly the B-47, having logged over 1,000 hours. He was also a contributing pioneer to the early exploration of zero gravity flight and extra vehicular training for the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs, while at Wright-Patterson AFB. Jack flew many combat missions while in Vietnam for 2 1/2 years, and was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, ten Air Medals, and two Meritorious Service Awards. He also was very proud of being a member of the Order of Daedalians.
He was later a successful restaurant owner and manager within the Hampton Roads area. A few of his many volunteer efforts included being an active member of the Chapel of the Centurion at Ft. Monroe, as a choir member, co-founder and co-manager of the Stephens Ministry Care giving program and the Chapel music Librarian. He also volunteered at the VA and the LAFB pharmacy.
Jack loved humor, theatre, the joy of music, all living creatures especially dogs, and traveling the world with his wife Madge, with whom he visited many countries and every continent except Antarctica. Jack embraced his family with love and devotion and his warmth and zest for life leave many cherished memories for his wife of many years, Margaret S. 'Madge' Schofield of Hampton; sons, David Hamilton Schofield and his wife, Mary Lynn Schofield, of Manassas, and John Stoner Schofield of Virginia Beach; daughter, Susannah Schofield Schmid and her husband, Frederick W. Schmid, of Hampton; and six grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Chapel of the Centurion on Ft. Monroe. Interment will take place at 1 p.m. Jan. 28, 2009, in Arlington National Cemetery.
Please make any memorial contributions to your favorite charity. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Schofield
Melva and Bob Mallison
November 30, 2008
I will sure miss LtCol John Schofield, Jr., USAF, Ret. He was one of the most positive members of our local Virginia Peninsula chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. It always perked me up to see him and Madge at the meetings. I was shocked to see the Tapps entry in the VIPMOAA newsletter and am so sorry to have missed the funeral. I will always treasure the lighthouse brick he gave me a few years ago.
/ Melva Mallison, MAJ, USAF, Ret
Immediate Past President of VIPMOAA
(I joined the Air Force the year he retired).
LTC Tony Jimenez, US Army (Retired)
November 20, 2008
My condolences to Mrs. Schofield and her family on the passing of Mr. Schofield. I have had the privilege of working with their son, David, in Arlington, Virginia, for the last few years. David shared with me many of his memories of his dad and the many contributions he made in defense of our country. I am amazed at not only his many military achievements, but at the impact he has made on his family and society at large. Even though I did not meet Mr. Schofield in person, I have read of his many accomplishments and I can now see many of his attributes in David. I am truly honored to have shared in this memorial and I proudly salute this true American hero.
Jim Orleman
November 17, 2008
Madge,
May God bless you and your family. Jack will be missed at our Avonworth Class of '52 reunions.
Peter and Joan Ogle
November 16, 2008
Our most sincere condolences to Madge and the entire Schofield family.
Warren and Carol Love
November 15, 2008
Madge: We were startled when Frank Capone called us yesterday about Jack's death. We are so sorry and wish you all the best and may God be with you and give you strength as you mourn your loss. We will always remember you folks as great neighbors, and we especially appreciate the farewell party you so graciously gave us. We regret that we didn't make more of an effort to get you and Jack down here to visit in Florida. Please come down if and when you can. We pray for God's blessing for the Schofield familly. Love from the Loves, Warren and Carol
Charles/ Chuck Morrell
November 14, 2008
The Schofield Family,
May you be comforted by the many warm thoughts and prayers of those who care.
Marcy & Bud Allred
November 14, 2008
So sorry to hear of your loss. We have enjoyed being your neighbor. May god bless you and the family at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Patricia Carlson Koehler
November 14, 2008
Jack was special to everyone who met him. The times our family spent with him were never long—but all are memorable. A gentle man to the core. . . with wit to spare and a sincere interest in every one and every thing around him. It was an honor to be one of the people he called to say goodbye. We are sad at his passing…but will celebrate his life always. The oblituary listed so much we did't know about Jack. Our deep and sincere condolences to Madge who we hope will continue to be a part of our lives. Visits with “Jackie and Madge” were truly some of the few bright spots in Joe Carlson’s final months and we appreciated that so much. I know God will bless us all with the haunting memories of his laughter and music.
Love and sympathy,
Tricia
Patricia Brown
November 14, 2008
Jack you will truly be missed. You have brightened so many people's lives. I will cherish the memories I have of you. Working for you was an awesome experience. I will always remember the walks in Gosnold Hope park with the "goldens" Beau and Chessie, along with Susie and her crew. Susie, Madge, and the entire Schofield family our deepest sympathies go to you in this time of need. May you all find comfort and peace through the love of God, family, and the support of friends.
Tom Jensen
November 14, 2008
May the Lord bless and keep your family during this time of mourning. Though a true loss to the living, certainly he is at peace with the Lord. My brother and I did some work on his house in Hampton as we met him through my father who was the Chaplain at Ft Monroe. He was a warm, jovial, loving, kind man whom I had the pleasure and honor to meet. Our prayers are with you.
Dick Seng
November 14, 2008
How brief has been our shared time together but how vivid and profound are the wonderful memories which remain. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Billie Pelton
November 14, 2008
Susie: I was so sorry to read about the loss of your dad. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. I moved to Walla Walla, WA 2 1/2 years ago to be near daughter, Phyllis and family, so therefore unable to attend the services. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jan Hooks
November 13, 2008
My condolences to the entire Schofield family. My prayers are with you all.
Deb Cook
November 13, 2008
I am blessed to have known you Jack and thank you for knowing me, a teenager at the time. My sympathy goes to the Schofield family.
Deb Cook, Albuquerque, NM
Doug Shanks
November 13, 2008
We love you Jack! You always made us laugh! You will truely be missed.
Fred Forbes
November 13, 2008
I was trully blessed to know Jack. We sharled many stories of working and playing togather. We just got back togather in the last few years and missed out on so much that we thought we had time to share togather. I look forward to our time togather in the future up there. You are truly missed and our prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Fred and Carolyn Forbes, Bonita Springs, Fl.
Pam Cook
November 13, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the Schofield family. I was in the choir with Jack for 7 years. It was a joy to see his smiling face each week and witness his stick-to-it-ness even on the hard songs.
My prayers are with you.
kathy Dermanis
November 13, 2008
Dear Schofield Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Susie, I am truly sorry for your loss.
Kathy Dermanis
Maggie Douglas
November 13, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Schofield family.
Jack was a great friend to my father. The two of them enjoyed their Big Ten rivalries and watching football games together.
I always enjoyed listening to the stories about the many trips around the world.
It gave my husband and me great joy to be able to give them Chessie, the newest addition to their pet family. I know how much they enjoy her and I hope she will offer comfort to Madge during this time of sorrow.
Ward, my husband, is on deployment but offers his condolences as well.
I wish I could be at the service and be able to bring my father, but unfortunately the kids and I will be out of town this weekend.
Jack will be missed in the Douglas and Getzinger families.
You all will be in my prayers this weekend.
Don & Melba Karas
November 13, 2008
Don and I saw Jack twice a week for almost two decades as members (and family) of the Chapel of the Centurion choir. His personality was always larger than life and his enthusiasm was contageous. His favorite saying was "We can do this!" regardless of the difficulty of the task. I personally will never forget his wonderful laugh. It filled the room, and he laughed a lot. Jack had a giving nature and it showed in everything he did. He loved his work with the Stephen ministry and lovingly reached out to many.
Remembering Jack will always bring a smile to our faces, and we have been much blessed to have him here with us.
Frank Duncum
November 13, 2008
We send our condolences to Madge, David, Jay, Susannah and their families.
Jack will be greatly missed. His kind acts, great stories, joy of adventure, exuberant laughter and love for family and friends, including the "Goldens", will be treasured in our memories. You are in our prayers.
Gretta and Frank Duncum
doris williams
November 13, 2008
I worked with Jack for many years at Langley - one of the nicest people I've ever met - he gave me a collie one time and then my then-husband refused to let me have it. But he was a friend and a gentleman and will be so missed. Wish I could be at his services but moved from VA to LA last year to be near children. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.
Kierstin Carlson
November 13, 2008
Jack was my father Joe Carlson's best friend, and although I only got to know him in the last years of my father's life, he has touched my heart. I believe the boys from Ben Avon are having a joyous reunion on the other side. I will miss his kindness and humor, and hope to examplify those qualities on in my life as he did in his. We love you Jack!
Chaplain Art Jensen
November 13, 2008
Jack was my friend and one of the most genuine Christian men I have ever met. When I was his chaplain at Fort Monroe, VA, he and I met weekly to pray for those in need. Then Jack would quietly and without fanfare go and help folks in ways only God would know.
His joy of living, vibrant faith, and humble servant attitude was exemplary - "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Janice Perkins
November 13, 2008
Just wanted to let you know that our thoughts are with you right now. It is a difficult to lose a person you love.
Jan and Ed Perkins (Charlotte's sister in Ma.)
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