More detail on this person: ENS Schmitt became a Naval Aviator on August 26,1966 at HT-8, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida. ENS Schmitt was Navy Helicopter Pilot Designator R-8574. John Hunter Schmitt of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at home in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born July 10, 1944 in Seattle Washington. John is survived by his wife of 11 years, Penny Schmitt ; his sister Nancy Owen (Keith); his brother Alec Schmitt (Stephanie); his daughters Carmen Schmitt ( Merv Sheffet), Kirsten Schmitt (Aaron Stanton), and Jennifer Lafrenz (Grayson Lafrenz) and nephew Micah Schmitt. Beloved Grandchildren Bridgette Keigwin, (Kevin), Jessica Suarez (Lucas), Emery Schmitt, Daisy Schmitt, Ryder Lafrenz, and Archie Lafrenz will all cherish the memories of their Grampa. John was blessed and did get to meet his precious Great Grandchildren : Levi Keigwin and Ozzy Suarez. John also had Step-children through Penny; Justin Beazley (Joy), Heather Bantz (Andrew), Jenni Bridgers (Harry), and Christi Kirkland (Dan); step-grandchildren Taygen Bantz, Bo Bantz, Mikey Beazley, Adrienne Beazley, Alexis Beazley, Isaiah Burt, and Maiya Kirkland and great grandchildren Neiko, Luna and Kya, Maliyah and Anthony. "Old pilots don't die, they just fly higher!" John loved flying. He began his career in the air as a Helicopter Pilot Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy before becoming a Captain of 747s for United Airlines. John became an Aviation Safety Inspector at the Federal Aviation Administration, Chief Check Pilot at U.S. Park Police, and a Flight Instructor at Simcom International before finally retiring. For years, John has sponsored a child through Compassion International. In lieu of flowers, please consider continuing his legacy by making a donation to Compassion International. . John will be greatly missed by his friends and family. Services will take place at Christ's Church of the Valley on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 12:00 P.M. (19030 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255), followed by a military funeral honors ceremony at 1:30 P.M. at National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona located at 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85024 John Hunter Schmitt Obituary - Phoenix, AZ (dignitymemorial.com) "Old Pilots don't die, they just Fly Higher" John Hunter Schmitt of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at home in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born July 10, 1944, in Seattle Washington. John is survived by his wife of 11 years, Penny Schmitt, his sister Nancy Owen (Keith); his brother Alec Schmitt (Stephanie); his daughters Carmen Schmitt ( Merv Sheffet), Kirsten Schmitt (Aaron Stanton), and Jennifer Lafrenz (Grayson Lafrenz) and nephew Micah Schmitt. Beloved Grandchildren Bridgette Keigwin, (Kevin), Jessica Suarez (Lucas), Emery & Daisy Stanton, Ryder and Archie Lafrenz will all cherish the memories of their Grandpa. John was also blessed to meet his precious Great Grandchildren: Levi Keigwin and Ozzy Suarez. John also had Stepchildren through Penny; Justin Beazley (Joy), Heather Bantz (Andrew), Jenni Bridgers (Harry), and Christi Kirkland (Dan); step-grandchildren Taygen Bantz, Bo Bantz, Mikey Beazley, Alexis Beazley, Adrienne Beazley, Isaiah Burt, and Maiya Kirkland and great grandchildren Neiko, Luna and Kya Orr and Maliyah and Angelo Beazley. John loved flying. He began his career in the air as a Helicopter Pilot Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. After leaving the Navy, he became a pilot at United Airlines flying DC8, DC10, B727, B737, B757, B767, and eventually retiring as a B747-400 Captain after 34 years. In addition, he spent time working as an FAA Aviation Inspector. Following his retirement from United Airlines, John continued pursuing his passion for flying by starting his own aviation safety consulting business, Globial Aviation, as well as working as a Flight Instructor and Program Manager at Simcom Aviation Training in Scottsdale. For the past years, John has sponsored a child through Compassion International. Please do not feel obligated in any way, but in lieu of flowers, please consider continuing his legacy by donating to Compassion International. The child he was sponsoring is named Eduar from Columbia # CO071800031. All checks should be made out to Compassion International. In the memo or note portion of the check, each donor should write "Memorial Gift-Eduar #CO071800031." Compassion will provide you with a memorial card that you can forward on to the family. John was dearly loved by many and will be greatly missed by his friends and family. Services will take place at Christ's Church of the Valley on Monday, January 22, 2024, at 11:30 A.M. (19030 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255), followed by a military funeral honors ceremony at 1:30 P.M. at National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona located at 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85024.
Burial information: National Memorial Cemetery, Phoenix, AZ
This information was last updated 07/08/2024
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Date posted on this site: 04/13/2025
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