St. George, UT - John Jacob Alder, Colonel, USAF retired, passed away Wednesday, August 18, 2010. John was born December 9, 1931 in St. Louis, MO. He was raised in Southern California and graduated from UCLA before joining the US Air Force. While serving as a pilot for 24 years, he logged over 5400 hours of flying time. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit and the Air Medal, among other awards and commendations. He was known among his peers as a pilots pilot. John served in Vietnam, at the Pentagon, and as commander of King Salmon Air Station, Alaska. He chose to retire to the desert southwest and served on several city boards. John also spent 20 years teaching aircraft and automotive maintenance at Dixie State College. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marilyn, his children Steve (Richard), Mike (LuAnn), and Janet (Steve), his daughter-in-law, Cathy, his sister Anne, ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and son, Jeff. Johns final act of service is the donation of his body to the University of Utah Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity in his honor. Private services will be held. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Metcalf Hurricane Valley Mortuary, (435) 635-9922.