John O. Magoffin

John O. Magoffin Born March 13, 1920 Died November 5, 2016 John Osborne Magoffin was born in Buffalo, New York on March 13, 1920, his life spanned a century of incredible change. His grandfather had a blacksmith shop, his father designed trucks for REO Speed Wagon, John flew in the B-24’s that helped win World War II, and later his son John Jr. would fly jet airliners. As a small boy John came to Arizona during the winters for his mother’s health. They stayed on a guest ranch near Phoenix where John became enchanted with the life of the cowboys. His mother’s death when John was 12 changed his life, but not his intention to return to the West. His father and aunts hoped he would run the family business, a bookstore in Buffalo, but it was not to be. His education consisted of a number of years in boarding schools, followed by a short sojourn at Cornell where he intended to study Agriculture. World War II interrupted his plans and he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1941. He was trained as a navigator and assigned to the 13th Air Force, attaining the rank of 2nd Lt. during his tour of duty in the South Pacific. This experience left indelible memories of which he was always eager to share. After his discharge from the service, John returned to the Southwest to attend the University of Arizona. His plans changed though, when he had a chance to work on a ranch at Sasabe, Az. Finding work in the great outdoors more motivating than sitting in a school room, he determined to learn everything he could about ranching by working for various outfits. This quest took him to the CS ranch in northern New Mexico, and other ranches near Trinidad, Colorado. John hated the cold winters, so he returned to southern Arizona to work on the Rigg’s ranch at Dos Cabezas, and later, the Merle Roll ranch in the Pat Hills near Ash Creek. In 1950 John married Mary Burnett, she had been working as a cowboy on a neighboring ranch. This fulfilled John’s hope of finding a partner that shared his dream of owning a ranch. In 1952 John and Mary purchased a ranch that included part of the Cochise Stronghold. Four children, Meg, John Jr., Molly, and Matt were born and reared there. Fifteen years later, John, Mary, and family moved to Guadalupe Canyon Ranch where they lived until 1989. Retirement took them back to the Stronghold to live near their daughter Molly. John’s life partner, Mary, passed away in 2007. John was a dedicated community minded individual. He was a founding member of the Valley Telephone Cooperative, taking the Sulphur Springs Valley out of the crank phone/party line era into the new age of communications in the 1950’s. He served on the Soil Conservation Board, Arizona Cattle Growers and Cochise Graham County Cattle Growers Associations. Cochise County Historical Society, Sulphur Springs Historical Society and the Arizona Historical Society. He was a member of the Southwest Pioneer Cowboy Association and had been inducted into the Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2005. A problem solver to the very end, John always had an idea or two to offer. A practical man that appreciated things that made life a little easier, but not too easy! He loved history and told many a good story about his journey and the changes he had seen. He was disappointed not to be on hand to know how the 2016 Presidential race ended. He did however, get to see the Cubs win the World Series! John is survived by his daughter, Meg, and her husband David Gilmore: son, John Magoffin Jr., and his wife Lori and their daughters Caitlin and Claire: daughter, Molly Hunt, and her husband Walter and their son Jonathan: and son, Matt Magoffin, and his wife Anna, their son Chris, wife Jennifer, and grand- daughter Hailee, and their son Mike, his wife Crystal and granddaughter Sarah. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to Hospice, The Humane Society, The Aravaipa Watershed Conservation Alliance or Airbase Arizona Commemorative Air Force. In celebration of John’s life, a buffet luncheon will be held on November 16, 2016 from 1-3pm at the Sunsites Community Center. Graveside services will follow at 3:30 pm at the Pearce Cemetery. Services entrusted to Westlawn Chapel, Mortuary and Crematory of Willcox, Arizona. You may express condolences at www.westlawnchapelmortuary.com

John O. Magoffin

March 13, 1920 - November 5, 2016