JOHN "J.T." THOMAS LONG

Final Flight on September 03, 2014

John "J.T." Thomas Long, USAF

June 05, 1947 - September 03, 2014

John Thomas Long

(June 5, 1947 - September 3, 2014)

John Thomas “J.T.” Long, 67, of Broadway, VA died September 3, 2014 at Sentara RMH Medical Center.

He was born June 5, 1947 in Harrisonburg, and was a son of Mildred “Midge” Caplinger Long of Broadway, and the late Raymond H. Long.

John was a firefighter for the City of Fairfax Fire and Rescue for 20 years before retiring in 1997. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War from October, 1966 until August 1973 in the crash rescue. He served 5 years at Lakenheath Air Force Base, England, and three years on rescue helicopters.

He was a member of New Market American Legion Post 166, where he served as Vice Commander. He graduated from Broadway High School, where he played football and basketball. He played on the 1st District 10 Football Championship Team. He was a member of Sunset Drive United Methodist Church in Broadway. John worked for the town of Broadway from 1973 – 1976, and Broadway Hardware from August 2009 – May 2011. He owned Miller D. Turner Store, LLC from January 1997 – February 2008. John loved football, hunting, and fishing. He loved his Wednesday night card games. He was a jack of all trades and a master of none.

John loved his family, especially his 6 grandchildren.

On June 25, 1994 he married the former Dawn Wilkins, who survives. Also surviving in addition to his wife and mother are three sons, John T. Long II and wife Michelle of Fulks Run, Chief Petty Officer Mark Long and wife Kim, of Fulks Run, Bryan Caricofe and wife Sara of Harrisonburg; one brother, Douglas Long and wife Carolyn of Chesterfield Co., VA; one sister, Sue Ellen Breeden and husband Jerry of Standardsville, VA; six grandchildren, Aidan, Taylor, and Jenna Long, Lily, Ryan, and Chloe Caricofe; a number of nieces and nephews.

Pastor Don Hawks will conduct a memorial service 1:30 PM Saturday at Sunset Drive United Methodist Church. Burial at Mt. Grove Cemetery in Fulks Run will be private. The casket will be closed.

The family will receive friends Friday from 6 – 8 PM at Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Grove Cemetery Fund, 12769 Third Hill Road, Fulks Run, VA 22830; or New Market American Legion Post 166, P.O. Box 166, New Market, VA 22844.

"FREEDOM ISN'T FREE"

~SOMEONE PAYS FOR YOU AND ME~

"HELICOPTERS" - THE ONLY WAY TO FLY

~NEVER FORGOTTEN~