Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1953 Lucky Bag:

JOHN EDWARDS FLORANCE, JR.

Johnny, the little man from Charleston, South Carolina, constantly startled his friends with his gigantic supply of spirit, sincerity, and fight. For four years his fight in the wrestling loft and on the town earned him the respect of both males and dolls. You could never forget this man once yon saw him making grotesque faces at his opponent on the mat, or heard his . . . uh . . . melodious ukelele strumming and his voice rendition of “Quick Silver”. Above all, however, Johnny will be remembered for his tireless efforts to pull his wives through their academics and many executive and love troubles.

Loss

John was lost on January 31, 1969 when the F-4 Phantom II jet he was piloting crashed into the Albemarle Sound, North Carolina. His radar intercept officer, LTjg Michael M. Joslin, was also killed.

Other Information

From the May 1969 issue of Shipmate:

Cdr. John E. Florance Jr., USN, died 31 Jan. as a result of an aircraft accident near the Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Va., where he was serving as executive officer of VF-102. A Memorial Mass was held in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, NAS Oceana.

Born in Manila, Philippine Islands, Cdr. Florance attended Severn School in Severna Park, Md., and was graduated from the Naval Academy in 1953. A year later he entered flight training and was designated a naval aviator in Oct. 1955. Following his first aviation assignment with VF-81 at NAS Oceana, he served with various fighter squadrons. While executive officer of VF-102 deployed to Southeast Asia aboard USS America, he completed 11 combat missions against North Vietnam.

Cdr. Florance held a Bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of science degree in astronautics from Stanford University, and was an associate member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Among other awards he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, several Air Medals, and a Bronze Star Medal.

He is survived by his widow Lila of 1417 Ashley Dr., Virginia Beach, Va. 23454; four children John III, Peter, Mary and Patricia, and his parents RAdm. John E. Florance Sr., USN (Ret.) ‘25 and Mrs. Florance of 40 Trad St., Charleston, S. C. 39401.

John had turned 11 years old shortly before the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. John’s father was previously stationed on USS Hovey (DMS 11), but had only the week before become the navigator of USS St. Louis (CL 49). The family was evacuated from Oahu shortly thereafter. John Sr. was stationed in the Aleutians for most of the war.

John’s wife was LT Lila Perez Florance; they were married while they were stationed at North Island, San Diego. (Information on John’s childhood & marriage from his son, John III, on March 7, 2024.)

John has a memory marker in Arlington National Cemetery. His wife passed away in 2018.

Video

John was recorded playing in the ocean in Hawaii in 1940; he is the older boy. (James, aged 3 or 4, is his younger brother).

Photographs

From the May 1969 issue of _Shipmate_.