John Lee Janes, Sr.

John Lee Janes, Sr. passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Springfield, Louisiana, at the age of 87. He was born on Wednesday, January 27, 1937 in Carlisle, Iowa to the late Mabel Nelson Janes and the late Earl Janes. At a young age, John left his home in Iowa to join the United States Army. He served in Okinawa, before going to Hawaii, and finally to South Carolina. After his military service, John worked for Delta Airlines as a captain and instructor pilot, achieving seniority of Number One despite not having a college degree, and even training Astronauts for NASA during his career. From starting the Alcoholic Anonymous Program for pilots, to being the first American pilot to fly into Moscow when their airspace opened, he accomplished many great feats throughout his career. John had a sense of humor that bordered on the psychopathic, constantly playing pranks on his coworkers. He never stopped joking and was always funny. 

John is survived by his sons, John Janes, Jr.(Carro) and Jay Janes; brother, Ken Janes; sister, Dorothy Logan; nieces and nephews, Jaye Schaefer, Jon Cuccia, Jina Schweizer, Jace Cuccia, Charles E Decker IV, Deborah Decker Karriker, and Scott A Decker; several nieces and nephews in Iowa; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. 

In addition to his parents, John was also preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Marie Janes; and step-children, Ross LeSaicherre, Jr. and Jeannine Gandy.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Ponchatoula, 100 W. Magnolia Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454, on Friday, July 26, 2024, beginning at 1:00 PM until the memorial service begins at 3:00 PM.