John Robert Carlile Jr.

John Robert Carlile Jr., age 85, of Centralia, Washington, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2024. Born on August 31, 1938, in Buckley, Washington, John was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and esteemed member of his community.

John was the son of John Robert Carlile Sr. (“Jack”) and Vera Elizabeth Woodward (“Betty”). He grew up alongside his sisters, Mary Joan Swanson, Virginia “Laurel” Lee McDaniel, and Elizabeth “Betsy” Ann Jessiman. John graduated from Yakima High School and furthered his education at the Armed Forces Staff College.

John's commitment to service was profound. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1956 and was commissioned in 1967 after attending Officer Candidate School. His distinguished career included serving as Executive Officer aboard the USCGC Klamath during the Vietnam War, Commanding Officer aboard the USCGC Modoc and USCGC Bibb, and achieving the rank of Commander in 1977. He retired in 1981 with numerous honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Coast Guard Commendation with Two Gold Stars, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Armed Cross of Gallantry Medal.

Following his military career, John transitioned into various roles, including General Manager for Sealand Industries, Mayor of Oakville, Washington, Regional Manager for Sperry Marine, and co-owner of Western Pacific Systems. He also worked as a dispatcher for Lewis County Senior Transportation from 1999 to 2005.

In October of 1994, John and Diana moved to Winlock, where they lived for 28 years after relocating from Gig Harbor. During this time, John became a dedicated member of the Model A Ford community. As a 20+ year member of the Cowlitz Valley A’s Model A Ford Club, he served as president, vice president, and NW Regional Representative. John was also an active member of the Volcano A's Model A Ford Club and served as President of the MAFCA NW Regional Group for multiple years. John and Diana actively toured with these clubs for many years, traveling as far north as Canada, south to California, east to Yellowstone National Park, and west up and down the Pacific coast. John sincerely enjoyed participating in club activities and making new friends everywhere he went. Knowing he wasn't physically well, John sold his car collection, and he and Diana moved to Centralia in the summer of 2022.

John's passion for Ford Model A cars was a defining aspect of his life. This love was vividly illustrated in his meticulous restoration of two 1930 Phaetons, separated by four decades.

In 1966, while stationed in Kauai, Hawaii as a Coast Guard Lieutenant, John discovered that Model A cars were still being driven as everyday vehicles. He managed to purchase a 1930 Phaeton for $200, which he restored with great care. Stripping the car of its black paint, John revealed its original copra drab color and transformed it with a new coat of Rustoleum enamel. He meticulously rebuilt the engine and brakes, crafted a new top and upholstery, and enjoyed driving the car daily. This Phaeton, sold in 1968 for a profit, marked a bittersweet farewell as John prepared for deployment to Vietnam.

Fast forward to 2008, John’s passion for Model A cars rekindled as he and his son Keith embarked on restoring another 1930 Phaeton. They traveled to Camarillo, California, to acquire a complete but unrestored Phaeton. Over the course of several years, John and his team of friends meticulously disassembled and repaired the car. The restoration process included rebuilding the chassis, sourcing and installing new components, and ensuring every detail was attended to. From sourcing parts to painting and upholstering, John poured his heart into this restoration. The finished Phaeton, road-ready and beautifully restored, stands as a testament to John’s enduring love for these classic automobiles.

John is survived by his wife Diana Carlile; children Debra (Jim Lemley) Carlile, Keith (Diane) Carlile, and David (Nash Greene) Carlile; stepdaughter Linda (Chuck) Milene; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and sisters Mary Swanson and Betsy (Bill) Jessiman. He was preceded in death by his first wife Louetta Verle Paddock, his sister Laurel, and his parents Jack and Betty.

A private memorial service celebrating John’s remarkable life will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice in John’s honor.

John Carlile will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his remarkable military career, and his passionate involvement in the Model A Ford community. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

--- by David Carlile