John Charles Grauff, age 78, of Frisco, passed away on December 7, 2024, in Frisco, Texas. John was born on July 6, 1946, in Newark, New Jersey, to his parents, John Christain Grauff and Eleanor C Shanley, who have preceded him in death. His family moved to Hauppauge, NY where he attended high school, and graduated in 1964.
After graduation he attended a local college but quickly shifted his plans due to the war. He enlisted in The United States Army, entered Officer Candidate School followed by flight academy where he became a helicopter pilot. During the Vietnam War, he piloted Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” and CH-47 Chinook helicopters. In 1970, he was awarded the prestigious honor of the Distinguished Flying Cross for his efforts in getting important supplies to troops on the ground while coming under intense enemy fire. He was honorably removed from active duty in 1972, leaving as a Captain, with the National Defense Service, Vietnam Service and Campaign, Bronze Star and Air 19 OLC Medals, Army Aviator Badge, and Three Overseas Service Bars.
After the military, he went back to New York where he reconnected with Jeanne Helen Edwards, who he graduated from high school with, and they started to date. They later moved to Colorado and were married in Boulder on December 6, 1976. They were married until her death on February 2, 2004, and he missed her dearly ever since.
To those who knew him, John was the nice guy, the one who didn’t create waves, the one who would do anything for his wife, daughter, and now granddaughter. He loved sharing stories of his past experiences and was always ready to take the next adventure. Travel was his favorite thing, and it was a true blessing that he was able to experience a few more adventures before he passed.
He is survived by his daughter, Laurel Grauff Caras of Prosper, Texas; and his granddaughter, Finlee Jean Caras.
Service will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at St Martin de Porres Catholic Church at 10:30am. Military presentation and luncheon to follow at the church. The services will be live streamed https://bit.ly/John_Grauff