John Hunter Schmitt

John Hunter Schmitt of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at home in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born July 10, 1944, in Seattle Washington. John is survived by his wife of 11 years, Penny Schmitt, his sister Nancy Owen (Keith); his brother Alec Schmitt (Stephanie); his daughters Carmen Schmitt ( Merv Sheffet), Kirsten Schmitt (Aaron Stanton), and Jennifer Lafrenz (Grayson Lafrenz) and nephew Micah Schmitt.

Beloved Grandchildren Bridgette Keigwin, (Kevin), Jessica Suarez (Lucas), Emery & Daisy Stanton, Ryder and Archie Lafrenz will all cherish the memories of their Grandpa.

John was also blessed to meet his precious Great Grandchildren: Levi Keigwin and Ozzy Suarez.

John also had Stepchildren through Penny; Justin Beazley (Joy), Heather Bantz (Andrew), Jenni Bridgers (Harry), and Christi Kirkland (Dan); step-grandchildren Taygen Bantz, Bo Bantz, Mikey Beazley, Alexis Beazley, Adrienne Beazley, Isaiah Burt, and Maiya Kirkland and great grandchildren Neiko, Luna and Kya Orr and Maliyah and Angelo Beazley.

John loved flying. He began his career in the air as a Helicopter Pilot Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. After leaving the Navy, he became a pilot at United Airlines flying DC8, DC10, B727, B737, B757, B767, and eventually retiring as a B747-400 Captain after 34 years. In addition, he spent time working as an FAA Aviation Inspector. Following his retirement from United Airlines, John continued pursuing his passion for flying by starting his own aviation safety consulting business, Globial Aviation, as well as working as a Flight Instructor and Program Manager at Simcom Aviation Training in Scottsdale.

For the past years, John has sponsored a child through Compassion International. Please do not feel obligated in any way, but in lieu of flowers, please consider continuing his legacy by donating to Compassion International. The child he was sponsoring is named Eduar from Columbia # CO071800031. All checks should be made out to Compassion International. In the memo or note portion of the check, each donor should write “Memorial Gift-Eduar #CO071800031.” Compassion will provide you with a memorial card that you can forward on to the family.

John was dearly loved by many and will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

Services will take place at Christ’s Church of the Valley on Monday, January 22, 2024, at 11:30 A.M. (19030 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255), followed by a military funeral honors ceremony at 1:30 P.M. at National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona located at 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85024.