John Burch Sikes died Nov. 22, 2005 at Whidbey General Hospital following a heart attack.

John was born July 16, 1921 in Sylvester, Ga. He enlisted in the Navy and served in the Navy for 30 years. He may be remembered for his sly sense of humor. Recently there was a newspaper article regarding the airplane “Bermuda Triangle” disaster. Less well known, the article mentioned there had been the loss of a Martin Mariner at the same time in the same place.  All during World War II John flew in the PBM, known as “The Flying Gas Can.” His laugh and remark recalling the memory of those days was that he never thought he would make it.

In August of 2005 he and his wife, Emily, celebrated 60 years of marriage. Besides his wife, he is survived by daughter Nancy of Edgewood, Wash., and son John B. Sikes of Omaha, Neb.; two grandchildren, Katie Harrison Reinking of Seattle and Christopher John Reinking, with wife Amy of Kealakekua, Hawaii; and one great granddaughter, Ava Reinking.

At his request there will be no formal funeral services. Inurnment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery arranged by Burley Funeral Chapel.