John Howard Wolcott

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. John Wolcott on May 26, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. John was a beloved husband of 61 years, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Born on September 23, 1941, John lived a rich life of love for his family, service to his country and dedication to charitable endeavors. He is survived by his wife, Judy; his daughters, Lynn Archer and Becky Cunningham; his son-in-laws, Dave Archer and Ernest Cunningham; along with eight grandchildren and spouses and five great grandchildren.

Colonel John H. Wolcott dedicated 21 years of distinguished service to the United States Air Force, specializing in aerospace physiology and human systems integration. He was commissioned in 1964 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps and entered active duty in July 1968. Colonel Wolcott’s brilliant career spanned numerous critical leadership roles across the nation involving military medical systems, human physiology, aircrew life support equipment, chemical and biological defense technology and equipment, and national intelligence. His key assignments included serving as a physiological training officer at Moody AFB, working with the Directorate of Intelligence, and leading hypobaric research at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology at Walter Reed. Notably, his expertise was called upon for major accident investigations, including the medical identification team for the historic Canary Island dual 747 accident. He later managed life support and chemical defense divisions at Wright-Patterson AFB and served at Headquarters Air Force Systems Command at Andrews AF as Director DCS Science and Technology. For his final assignment, he returned to Brooks AFB, Texas as the Director of Mission Analysis and Integration for the Human Systems Division, responsible for integration of research and Development and operational support for 5 Air Force laboratories. He retired from the Air Force in 1989.

He then worked for Karta Technologies for another 14 years before he ultimately retired. For more than a decade, John faithfully served and inspired those around him through his unwavering commitment, integrity, and compassion. He was the very definition of a servant-leader—someone who led not by authority, but by example. His humility, wisdom, and genuine care for others earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

John was a true role model. He believed in lifting others up, encouraging growth, and helping people reach their potential. His leadership was marked by kindness, patience, and a strong sense of purpose. He left a lasting impact on countless lives through his mentorship, guidance, and dedication.

John was also committed to using his many talents to better the world. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, building homes for those in need using his woodworking skills. He was famous in the family for building his bird houses. He was also a Master Naturalist and volunteered for the Park Service, cleaning and maintaining trails around San Antonio and was a big supporter of the National Park Service. Obtaining junior ranger badges with his various grandchildren was always a high priority on summer trips. His grandchildren always looked forward to getting their yearly National Parks calendar from Grandpa, a cherished tradition every Christmas.

Though John was proud of his military service and volunteering, he was happiest when spending time with his beloved wife, two daughters and their spouses, and their myriad of children and grandchildren. He was a man of faith, always called upon by the family to lead the blessing at every meal. He had a quick wit, a generous heart, and unceasing love for the people closest to him. He loved having his grandkids over from breakfast tacos, taking road trips and trying to make the babies smile with his infectious laughter. Nothing made him light up like telling stories about his daughters’ shenanigans growing up, attending his grandkids’ performances, games and graduations, as well as traveling around the country with his cherished wife, Judy. It didn’t matter if you were family, a friend or even a stranger, you could always count ofn John to have a listening ear or a good story, depending on what you needed that day – and always a glass of wine to go with it. He will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., on Sunday, June 7, 2026, with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m., at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX.