John Anthony Nave

Major John Anthony Nave passed away peacefully at his home in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by his family on January 25, 2024. He was 93 years old. As part of a military family, Johnny was born to Genevieve and Lester Nave in San Antonio at Fort Sam Houston on December 13th, 1930, while his father was stationed at the post.

After his father’s death in Normandy during WWII, John’s remaining teenage years hailed in his mother’s hometown of Montgomery, NY in the scenic Hudson Valley. He lost his father at the young age of 14 and honored the request in the last letter his father wrote from England, charged to care for his newly widowed mother and younger sister. While learning all the tasks and work-ethic to be a farmer, he also enjoyed the occasional game of soccer. After completing his high school graduation, John received a Congressional appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, like his dad, Class of 1929. He subsequently enrolled after completing military prep school. He graduated from West Point in 1953 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He chose to serve active duty in the Air Force where he flew C-130 Spectre Gunships in Southeast Asia. He earned numerous combat awards including the Distinguished Flying Cross.

John met his wife Jana while they were both stationed in the Air force at Rhein-Main Air Force Base in Germany. There were later married in Basel, Switzerland. They were married for 56 years.

Upon retirement John became a flight instructor at Flight Safety International where he trained hundreds of pilots. He retired from Flight Safety International after more than 20 years. John was an accomplished pilot with over 20,000 hours of flight time.

In his spare time, John enjoyed cooking, spending time with family and friends at the family’s lake house on Lake LBJ. He also enjoyed an occasional game of golf. He was a long-time member of Alamo Heights United Methodist Church.

John was predeceased in death by his parents, Genevieve and William Nave and his sister Toni Bastiano. John is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jana and their son, Joshua William Nave of Appleton, Wisconsin, granddaughter Lauren Ashley Nave of Gainesville Florida, and grandson Reagan William Nave and his wife Hannah of San Antonio Texas as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The burial will be held at West Point.