Thomas McCluhan
John Bernard McCluhan passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter Karen on March 7, 2022 at the age of 87.
Born to Floyd and Elizabeth McCluhan in Chillicothe, Illinois. John was the 6th out of 7 siblings of which all preceded him by death. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps soon after graduating high school and was sent to Japan for his first assignment. There he experienced a "love at first sight" moment when he saw his future wife Misako for the first time. He left Japan with thoughts of her on his mind. As fate would have it, he was immediately stationed again in Japan for a longer deployment. This time he had mustered the courage to introduce himself and asked her out on a date. Challenged by their language barrier, their dates consisted of holding hands, taking walks, pointing at birds in the sky while their hearts were filled with love and happiness. Soon after they were married in Okinawa.
Born to Floyd and Elizabeth McCluhan in Chillicothe, Illinois. John was the 6th out of 7 siblings of which all preceded him by death. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps soon after graduating high school and was sent to Japan for his first assignment. There he experienced a "love at first sight" moment when he saw his future wife Misako for the first time. He left Japan with thoughts of her on his mind. As fate would have it, he was immediately stationed again in Japan for a longer deployment. This time he had mustered the courage to introduce himself and asked her out on a date. Challenged by their language barrier, their dates consisted of holding hands, taking walks, pointing at birds in the sky while their hearts were filled with love and happiness. Soon after they were married in Okinawa.
He continued to serve in the military and eventually retired with over 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. Completing tours of duty in both the Korean and Vietnamese conflicts while earning the rank of Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt). Just prior to retiring from the Corps, he moved his family to Concord, California where he continued to work as a regional printing manager for GSA in San Francisco for an additional 20 years. Upon retiring from GSA, John continued to enjoy spending time with his family. Not one to sit around and do nothing, John began volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank picking up and distributing groceries to the underprivileged. For hobbies, he enjoyed bike riding, cooking, gardening and home improvement projects, of which he took great pride in.
Misako, his devoted wife of 57 years preceded him in 2016. He is survived by his four children, Karen, Sharon, Steven, Thomas, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
John was a well-respected decorated combat veteran, who stood strong in what he believed in. But his family will always remember him as a loving, kind and gentle soul that will be dearly missed.
John and Misako will be celebrated together at their final resting location at California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery, 2900 Parker Flats Cutoff Road, Seaside, CA on May 13, 2022 at 2pm PST
