John Franklin Carroll's Obituary
Carroll, John Franklin
John Franklin Carroll passed away on October 14, 2016 in Tucson. John was born June 8, 1931 in Superior, Arizona to a pioneer family. His Grandfather, Selim Franklin, is considered one of the founders of the University of Arizona. He introduced a bill in the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature that became law, establishing the University in 1885.
Although John was diagnosed with a pulmonary fibrosis at age 73 with a life expectancy of only two years, he used his skills to beat the odds, surviving 12 years before he succumbed at age 85.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Georgiann; children Cindin Carroll, George and Dawn Carroll, John and Lori Carroll, and, Susan and Kevin Westfall; grandchildren Evan, Dylan, Douglas, Johnathon, Madison, Tyler and Kori; great grandchildren Hailey, Braxton, and Bently; and, by his sister, Mary Rose Duffield.
John attended Tucson High and the University of Arizona where he graduated with honors and played quarterback on the football team. He went on to Yale Medical School, then served as a physician and Captain in the U.S. Air Force. John returned to his Tucson home town in 1963. He practiced at Tucson Medical Center, St. Joseph Hospital, and El Dorado Hospital. He was a leader in the development of Cardiology in Tucson and was adored by his patients.
He was an avid and skilled tennis player, playing at various times at the Tucson Country Club, Tucson Racquet Club, and River Racquet Club. He was a competitive player reaching USTA 4.5 competitive level.
Aviation was his passion. He attained single-engine, multi-engine, commercial, and instructor licenses. At age 16 he purchased his first airplane, a rickety Fleet Biplane for about $200, that he flew home from Winslow, but ground-looped on landing at the Freeway Airport in Tucson. He mowed lawns for years to pay off the plane. After a long hiatus from flying for medical school, marriage, and children, he returned to aviation in the 1960’s and significantly improved his skills. One of his proudest accomplishments was winning 1st place in the Tequila Cup, an Aerobatic competition in 1997.
John and Georgiann adopted Telluride, Colorado as their second home where they enjoyed family time, tennis, skiing, hiking, 4-wheel driving, and an active involvement in the community. They started a hiking group that continues today.
He treasured his family and was a friend without parallel. He saw the best in everyone. He read widely and took a lively interest in a broad range of subjects and ideas, and kept an open, inquisitive mind on challenging issues. He was also hands-on in his interests, building several computers in recent years, working to understand the modern intricacies of both hardware and software. His enthusiasm, humor, and love of life will be missed.
John and Georgiann participate in and support: Phi Beta Kappa, the San Xavier Mission, The Amerind Foundation, and Saint Luke’s Home.
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