John Raymond Bode

John R. Bode was born Saturday, September 16, 1933, in Omaha, NE. He passed away Tuesday, February 2020 in Albuquerque, NM. He is survived by his wife, Diane, and their extensive family, his sister, nieces, nephew, and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son.

The world has lost a true American Hero; not only in the true sense of the word Hero, but a Man who demonstrated how to live life to the fullest. He embodied the American spirit: love for life, liberty, family, flying, and his country. He was driven by a thirst for learning and a search for understanding. He came to this world as a humble orphan and he left as a self-made man, who never stopped enjoying learning, flying, and the journey he was on.

He was born in Nebraska, which often made his family ponder if Superman really was from Nebraska. He spent summers as a ranch hand. During one of those summers he took his first airplane ride in a crop duster which ignited a passion for flight and subsequently, at age 18, he became a West Point Air Cadet.

He met and married his wife in 1957, while stationed at Victorville. In 1965, he graduated from the University of Oklahoma, with a master’s degree in Engineering. He was then stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, Weapons Lab in Albuquerque and then spent a tour in Vietnam. He was awarded the Air Force Cross, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, two Silver Oak Leaf Clusters, one Bronze Oak Leaf, Air Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Presidential Unit, National Defense Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, South Vietnamese Medal of Honor, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Gold Rim and Palm, and Vietnam Combat Medal. He also was a Top Gun. However, he didn’t want to be known for any of that. He wanted to be known for his contributions to society. He was an engineer and a scientist.

When he returned from Vietnam, his family was transferred to Washington, D.C., where he worked at The Pentagon and Crystal City. In 1975 he retired and worked for BDM International (Braddock, Dunn and McDonald). After 20 years he returned to New Mexico, where he was able to once again make flying, riding motorcycles, and skiing a large part of his life. He loved the New Mexico Sky. Following his retirement from Sandia National Laboratories and the death of his son, he assumed the responsibility of managing and owning Bode Aviation, where he was able to once again pursue his love of aviation. He continued to fly until a month ago. During his lifetime he flew many aircraft, which included the Saber Jet and Super Saber, F4s, T-38s, and OV-10s in the service; furthermore, he logged many hours in his beloved Cessna 320 aka “Piggy.” He served on many community projects until the very end.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be sent to, Nebraska Children’s Home, 4939 South 118th Street, Omaha, NE 68137; Phone number (402) 451-0787; www.nchs.org.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2020, beginning with a Viewing at 9:00 a.m. with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH – University with a Reception to follow at 12:00 p.m.