John Herbert Zornes, age 84, died unexpectedly at his residence on August 26, 2008. He was born on December 26, 1923 in Garrison, Kentucky, the son of Farris and Cynthia Ann (Richards) Zornes. John was approximately two years old when his father died; the family then moved to Portsmouth, Ohio. While in high school he became interested in gymnastics and was part of a group who performed at school events. Following graduation from Portsmouth High School in 1942, he enlisted in the Navy and was accepted in to the Aviation Cadet V-5 program. As the end of WWII was approaching and the Navy no longer needed to train more pilots, he transferred in to the Aviation Metalsmith School and was discharged in 1945. John never lost his love for flying and maintained a Private Pilot License for several years. Following a move to Minneapolis, MN he worked for Northwest Airlines and became a purser on flights to the Orient. Eventually he moved to Seattle and was employed as a machinist at Boeing, PACCARand a number of machine shops. He was a member of the International Association of Machinists.
John, or Herb as he was called by many family and friends, had many interests and talents and he could make, fix or do anything with his hands. As a volunteer he loved doing magic for the children on the Bone Marrow Transplant unit at Swedish medical Center and performed at a magic show, “Magic or not?” at the Pacific Science Center and at other events in the community. He once participated in a magician’s contest and won first prize for the most original magic. He is a past member of the Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Since he had a zest for life and trying new things, his many interests included scuba diving, skiing, folk and ballroom dancing, sailing, and teaching himself to play music on a keyboard. Gymnastics remained an interest throughout his life and he believed in remaining physically fit. He very much enjoyed riding his bicycle, rollerblading and walking.
He is survived by two sons, Michael and Jeffrey (Wendy) Zornes, three grandchildren, ex-wife Vivian, half-sister Doris Ryan of Portsmouth, OH, many nieces and nephews, and special friend Patricia Negro. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother and seven sisters. He was always proud to say that he had eight sisters.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Howden-Kennedy Funeral Home of West Seattle (3909 SW Alaska St) on Thursday, September 4 at 11AM. Remembrances may be sent to the Museum of Flight.
Please sign our guest book at www.Howden-Kennedy.com.
Published September 10, 2008 in the West Seattle Herald.
