John Pappas, an exceptional attorney, accomplished pilot, and adventurer, passed away on November 15, 2024, at the age of 80.
Born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1944, John grew up in Wichita, Kansas, before moving to Southern California after high school. There, he met and married the love of his life, Betty. John attended East Los Angeles College, where he was elected student body president. He then joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy and later worked as a bailiff in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. After passing the California Bar, John and Betty moved their family to Bellingham, Washington, where he established a successful law practice from 1974 to 1985.
John was also an accomplished pilot who traveled the world in various aircraft. He founded “DreamFlight” with his Douglas Aircraft DC-3, affectionately named Rose. Together with Betty, he showcased Rose at airshows across the United States. One of his most memorable achievements was piloting Rose over Nellis Air Force Base during a World War II reenactment, where the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights parachute team jumped from the aircraft. Earlier this year, John was awarded the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award by the FAA in recognition of his lifelong contributions to aviation.
In 1985, John and his family returned to Southern California. They later moved to Cave Junction, Oregon, in 2012, where he and Betty retired.
John is survived by his wife, Betty daughters Arminda, Jennifer, and Carleen sons James and Matthew and brothers Clifford and James. He is reunited with his daughter Amy, grandchildren Victoria, Nicholas, and Sebastian, and other loved ones who passed before him.
John’s life was defined by his remarkable achievements, his passion for flying, and his exceptionalism. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
