2 years ago · navdeep · Comments Off on Celebrating 100 Years: A Tribute to Johnny Rothfus Jr.
Celebrating 100 Years: A Tribute to Johnny Rothfus Jr.
Johnny G. Rothfus, Jr., a cherished Tribute Senior Living community member, is eagerly anticipating his 100th birthday later this month. His family and friends have already celebrated this extraordinary milestone with a joyous gathering, where he was surrounded by those who admire and appreciate him as a father, husband, son, veteran, and friend.
Angie, his granddaughter, penned a touching tribute that beautifully encapsulates the essence of his remarkable life. Please enjoy reading it below.
“John G. Rothfus, Jr., was born on October 25, 1924. His family of eight sisters and three brothers spent their childhoods tending to and working on their family farm.
As a high schooler, Papaw was well-known for being in the top 10 of his senior class. I recall hearing this little secret: Only ten students were in his graduating class! While in high school, Papaw played on the basketball team with his brothers Bill and David. Another little secret has been passed down from each generation. The football coach believed Papaw had great potential to lead their team to victory. Granny Rothfus was insistent that basketball was the only sport he would play.
In 1943, Johnny graduated from Prosper High School. It would be a very short time later, on February 1, 1944, that my Papaw would enter the army. His entrance came after receiving a six-month deferment while working on the farm. He was sent to Mineral Wells, Wichita Falls, and Laredo for basic Air Forces training. His destination would be Foggia Air Force Base, Italy, as a tail gunner in a B-24 with the 98thBomber Group. Johnny flew 18 missions during his assignment in Italy. It was on his fourth of those missions that anti-aircraft shrapnel shells hit his plane. The crew was forced to bail out and ditch their plane near Split, Yugoslavia. Thankfully, none of their ten-man crew were severely injured. Once the crew had reunited, they opened their escape kits and removed the money/maps provided to each airman. The kit included $50.00 in US currency to use for escape purposes. The men bought various items, and Rothfus brought a scarf to take home to his wife.
British soldiers in the area helped the downed crews find their groups and return them to their bases so they could finish out the war. Rothfus was discharged on October 30, 1945, and returned home to Celina. He earned the Air Medal with 1 Bronze Oakleaf Cluster, a Purple Heart, EAME with 1 Silver Battle Star, a Good Conduct Medal, and the Overseas Bar.
In 1948, Johnny and Billie welcomed their only child, Connie Jean Rothfus, into this beautiful world. For the next 27 years, Johnny served as a fireman for the City of Dallas.
As we prepared for today’s celebration, I asked my mom to provide a list of words describing her daddy. Her word list included kind, truthful, loving, helpful, and compassionate. It is no coincidence that one might also use these words to describe our Lord and Savior.
Throughout his life, my Papaw has worked tirelessly to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus. As a member of the Methodist Church in Celina, Papaw has loved the members of this congregation well. Known for offering a helping hand or visiting those in the local nursing home, Papaw has continued to place the needs of others ahead of his own. In addition to serving others within his church congregation, Papaw has provided a heavy dollop of love and compassion to the customers and staff at the Celina Drug Store and the Senior Citizens Center. His influence and importance in the community are undeniable, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.
As we celebrate 100 years of a life well-lived, we also celebrate all of you. We give thanks for the countless ways your path crossed the path of this great man. We celebrate the beautiful ways you have loved him. You are all an integral part of his story, and for this, we give immense thanks. Your presence here today is deeply appreciated. It is a testament to John G. Rothfus, Jr.’s impact on each of your lives, and we are grateful for your love and support during this time.”
As Johnny prepares to celebrate his 100th year, we reflect on his extraordinary life. His unwavering dedication to family, community, and service has left an indelible mark on all who know him. May his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
