John B. Robertson

John Burton Robertson, age 98, passed away peacefully at home on June 2, 2026. He was born on May 6, 1928, in LaFayette, Georgia, and was a proud member of the Greatest Generation. From humble beginnings, he rose to distinction through two exemplary careers—first in the United States Air Force, and later in international commercial aviation with World Airways and Japan Air Lines.

Known to family and friends as “Rob,” he graduated from LaFayette High School in 1945, where he served as Class President. Immediately upon graduation, he answered the call to serve his country, entering the United States  Air Force at the close of World War II and trained in a B-17 Bomber in San Antonio, Texas. Soon thereafter, he married Mary Katherine Loggins, and together they built a family and a life grounded in dedication and resilience. They were blessed with four children: John Jr. (Rob), James (Jim), Katherine (Jan), and Joy.

Rob’s military career required frequent relocations, and the family lived in Savannah, Georgia; Exeter, New Hampshire; Altus, Oklahoma; and Shreveport, Louisiana. During his distinguished service, he served in the Korean War and piloted the B-29 Bomber. Other airplanes he flew in the Air Force are the KC-97 refueler, KC-135 jet refueling tanker. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1965 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Following his military retirement, Rob continued his passion for aviation in the commercial sector, flying with World Airways based in Oakland, California flying the DC-8. In 1972, he joined Japan Air Lines, embarking on an international chapter of his life that took him and his family to Yokohama, Japan, and later Anchorage, Alaska. He retired in 1988 as Chief Pilot, having flown the Boeing 707, Boeing 747 and earning the respect of colleagues and crews alike. In his career, he checked out on many other aircraft.

Rob’s life was marked by discipline, dedication, and excellence—qualities his children often summarized in a simple phrase: “He was always on time.” His life and character reflected the enduring values of his generation, captured in the words of Paul Warren: 

*“They are slowly leaving us 

With every year there are less 

Built of stronger stuff 

Honed through the Depression years Disciplined through war years

They had a strong constitution

And a gentleness underlying

For they had seen the worst of it

Surviving to return to family and friends

Adjusting to life at peace again

They are remembered by their children

But will soon be gone forever.”*

Rob loved to play golf and was an excellent handyman. He passed on his passion for golf to his son Rob and his skill with working with his hands to his son Jim. 

Rob is survived by his beloved wife, Mona, with whom he shared 40 wonderful years. Together they traveled extensively, exploring destinations such as China and India, and created lasting memories celebrating life’s milestones with family, often gathering at Silky Sullivan’s in Fountain Valley, California. Rob, Mona and beloved mother-in-law BuBu enjoyed a culturally rich social life with numerous friends in the New Orleans area where Rob was frequently called upon to be the Master of Ceremonies.

He is also survived by three of his children—Rob, Jim, and Jan—and his two grandsons, Brent and Andrew. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Joy, in 2021.

He will be lovingly remembered for the simple, heartfelt moments he shared, especially the times he sang ‘You Are My Sunshine,’ a song that will forever carry his voice in our hearts.

There is no greater tribute than to honor a life so richly lived—a life defined by service, sacrifice, devotion to family, and a legacy of values passed on to future generations.