John Butler Brassfield passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at the age of 95. He was born in Seattle, February 24, 1923, to Paul and Gladys Brassfield. He spent his early years in Oregon, moving back to Seattle in 1939. He graduated from West Seattle High School and remained a loyal and adamant Indian all his days. His sport was track and on one of the best days of his life he won the low hurdles event in the All City Track and Field Championships in 1940 and again in 1941. He attended the University of Washington until WWII began. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 and became a gunnery instructor. Following the service he was hired by Pacific Telephone and Telegraph and retired in 1983 with 37 years’ service.
He married Elaine Rider with whom he raised two children, Robin and Dean, who died in spring of 2016. In 1969 he married Barbara Scherer and her two children, Julie and Brent. John is survived by Barbara, the love of his life, three children Robin McCarville, Julie Cogswell/Bill and Brent Scherer/Christy, brothers Bill/Marlene and Max/Bev, 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren, cousins, nephews, and nieces.
He served as President of the West Seattle Monogram Club. He was a golfing member at Meridian Valley Golf and Country Club, where he shot his age in his eighties. He was a great sports fan who had season tickets for Husky football and basketball and for the Seattle Seahawks for many years. John and Barbara enjoyed family reunions across the country and travels to Europe, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand. They celebrated many wedding anniversaries at the Stephanie Inn at Cannon Beach, Oregon. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church.
His hobbies included golf, fishing, boating, reading and golf! John had many friends whom he enjoyed. He was ever a gentleman, with a great wit, a twinkle in his blue eyes and a ready grin. He was a man of character, who treasured his faith, his country, his family and his friends.
On Tuesday, March 27th, there will be a military service at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent at 10 AM. A light lunch will be served at 11 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Kent, followed by the memorial service at 1 PM and refreshments with an opportunity to share at the conclusion of the service. Remembrances may be made to Medic One, Zion Lutheran Church, or the charity of choice.
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