John Reiley Guthrie ’42

Jack came to Princeton from Blair Academy. He joined Key and Seal, received honors in history, and was a major in ROTC.

Shortly after graduation Jack reported to Fort Bragg and was classified as available for limited service only. In this capacity he returned to Princeton as part of the team of instructors in ROTC. He must have impressed his superiors, since he was privileged to attend the Army Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth and thereafter was reclassified for general service. The rest of his Army career featured a series of increasingly responsible positions and ended only with his retirement in 1981.  

During eight tours in Hawaii, Japan, and Korea, Jack saw front-line combat in the Third Infantry Division during the Korean War. He participated in operations against guerrillas in the Wonsan area, the spring Chinese offensive, and the United Nations counteroffensive. From 1975 to 1977, he commanded the Army’s IX Corps in Japan.  

Jack was a Princeton trustee from 1981 to 1988.  

Jack’s wife, Becky, died in 2005. He is survived by their sons Michael, John, Peter, and Kevin ’84; and daughters Claire and Margaret. To them and to the entire family, the class sends sympathy.