John James Pearce Jr.

John was born in Westfield, New York, on December 10, 1951, to John Pearce Sr. and Thelma Mae (Bright) Pearce.

His childhood was spent growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his sisters; Sherry and Patricia and later with his stepsister, Debbie and stepbrother J.T.

He loved spending his childhood vacations and summers at "The Cottage", where he enjoyed swimming in the river, laughing and playing with his Weimaraner dogs.

He was drafted into the U.S. Military in 1972, while trying to earn a degree to become an airline pilot. He chose to serve his country in the United States Army. He was able to train as a Warrant Officer Helicopter Pilot, until a malfunction-break in the cable to the tail rotor which caused him physical disability. He stayed in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant and chose an M.O.S. (Military Operational Specialty) of Air Defense Artillery. He was stationed in South Korea and served in the D.M.Z. (Demilitarized Zone) border. In Korea, he married his first wife, a South Korean woman, who he was married to 14 years. He was married to his second wife, Ruby, from 1989 to his passing in 2026. He adopted her son, David, from her first marriage, as his own, in 1989. He retired and was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army as a S.F.C.

John is survived by his wife, Ruby, his son, David, his granddaughter, Maddie and her son, great grandson, Mason. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Madeja and her husband, Bob, nephews and a niece.

He loved all his family, close friends, and pets so dearly.

Visitation at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home will be held on April 7, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life at Crawford Bowers will take place on April 8, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Graveside Service at Central Texas State Veteran Cemetery in Killeen, Texas will be held on April 8, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family request that you instead donate to your favorite charity.