John Herbert Falconer

John Herbert Falconer, 85, passed away on January 2, 2006 in Scottsdale, AZ.  John was born in San Francisco, CA on May 5, 1920.  He lived in Fountain Hills, AZ for the past 15 years.  John was a World War II Navy veteran and one of only a few remaining Pearl Harbor survivors.  He survived the attack while serving on board the USS West Virginia on December 7, 1941.  As Chief Petty Office, John went on to serve the Navy for the remainder of the war by monitoring Japanese movements from jungle sites in New Guinea.  On April 14, 1945 John landed at Ie Shima with correspondent Ernie Pyle, later constructing Pyle’s tomb when he was killed by a Japanese sniper.  John was even able to see his beloved West Virginia again when she sailed into Tokyo Bay at war’s end.  

John was actively involved in the Veterans in the Classroom Program with VFW Post 7507 in Fountain Hills, AZ.  John shared his Pearl Harbor and World War II experiences with over a thousand students.  John was also an active member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.  John’s service story will be permanently archived with the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. thanks to an interview for the book Since You Asked; Arizona Veterans Share Their Memories, part of the Arizona Heritage Project at Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek, AZ. 

He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy and is survived by his eight children, John Falconer of AZ, Gary Falconer and wife Linda of VA, Sharon Gibson and husband R.E., of TX, Joel Falconer and wife Sherry of TX, Jackie Falconer of AZ, Robert Ridgeway and wife Hilary of FL, Vickie Hunt and husband Allen of AZ and Charles Falconer and wife Nigela of AK and thirteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  He is also survived by two sisters Fran Baughman of AZ and Aloma Crayton and four brothers Doug Falconer, Ted Falconer, Mike Jackson of OR and Charley Falconer of AK. 

The viewing was held at Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary, 12065 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ on January 5, 2006.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the USS Arizona Memorial Fund in his memory, by visiting www.pearlharbormemorial.com.

Interment Arlington National Cemetery, Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 2 PM.  Arrive at Administration Building at 1:15 PM.

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