John Richards White ’37

John died Aug. 30, 2001, in Susanville, Calif. Born in Providence, R.I., he came to Princeton from St. George's and was a member of Cloister Inn.

Turned down by the US Army Air Corps at the start of WWII, he joined the RCAF and served as a gunner on bombers. Discharged as a flight lieutenant, he then earned his master's in education at Chico State in California. John served as teacher, principal, and superintendent of Johnstonville Elementary in Lassen County, Calif. During his 25-year tenure, his students averaged at least two years above national and state norms in standardized tests despite being one of the poorest districts in the state.

John was an avid sailor and, with his wife, was considered an authority on birds of the region. At a night at the John R. White Memorial Gym, friends, former students, and parents were invited to bring desserts to swap with memories and stories of John.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Irma, his daughter, Sandra, and a granddaughter. The class extends its sympathy.

The Class of 1937