John McWilliams

John McWilliams

Nogal, NM - John Pleitch McWilliams went to play chess with God on June 8, 2021, surrounded by his wife and children at his home in Nogal, New Mexico.

He leaves behind his loving Wife of 52 years, Anna, his, Daughter, Grace, his Son, Andrew and his 5 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

John was the firstborn son of Thomas and Margaret McWilliams and was born on Sunday, September 28, 1946, in Edinburgh, Scotland. His family immigrated to New York City, passing through Ellis Island in 2 separate trips, first his Father to secure employment and housing and then John (age 10), his Mother, and his younger brother, Alan. John was proud of his Scottish heritage but also equally proud of his status as an American citizen.

John received a Regent Scholarship to attend City College Of New York, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He later earned his Masters in Science from Santa Clara University.

John spent the majority of his Director Level engineering career working top secret Department of Defense contracts in Silicon Valley, in Service to his country. Notably, he was one of the lead designers for the radar on the Stealth Bomber.

John was one of the most well-read people I have ever encountered. Anyone who knows him, is painfully aware of his vast and detailed knowledge of mathematics, history, philosophy, and religion. His love of books and knowledge is solidified by his personal library of over 4,000 titles.

After retiring, he wrote and published his first book, New Mexico- A Glimpse into an Enchanted Land. And found writing to be one of his truest passions, he went on to write 8 other books.