John B. Giles
December 17, 1942 ~ June 23, 2021
Colonel John B. Giles (USMC, Ret.)
On Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021, after a two-year battle with cancer, John Bruce Giles passed in his sleep surrounded by his wife of 53 years, Marcella Sue Giles (Burgess), and sons. John was born in Johnstown, PA, on 17 December 1942. His parents were Richard and Cornelia (Cuppett) Giles. John is survived by Marcella (Marcy), his three boys, Jason, Justin, and Erick; his sisters Kathy Johnson, Colleen Filbey, and Gretchen Giles; along with 10 Grandchildren, many nieces and nephews; his cousins in and around New Paris, PA; and his in-laws from Maine, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
John attended Johnstown public schools through tenth grade. His parents moved to Pittsburgh, PA, where he completed high school at Scott Township High School in 1960. Following high school graduation, he began his college education at Bethany College, Bethany, WV, earning a BA in Economics in June 1964. John was active in sports and played Division III football as a center and outside linebacker at Bethany College.
Following his Dad’s service to his country as a B-17 tail gunner in WWII, John felt a strong call to serve his country and enlisted in the US Marine Corps during college. He completed the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course during the summers of 1962 and 1963. Upon college graduation, John was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve. He then entered active duty and began a 6-month officer training program at Marine Corps Base Quantico. He graduated from Quantico with fellow Marine and lifelong friend Charles Krulak, who would go on to become the 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps.
John’s first post was Camp Pendleton, CA, where he was assigned to Echo Company, Second Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division as an infantry platoon leader. John deployed to Vietnam in August 1965. During his 13-month tour, he saw major combat in the provinces of South Vietnam near the DMZ. For his gallantry in combat, John was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” (valor) device. A natural leader, as a 1st Lieutenant he was assigned as Company Commander, H Co., Second Battalion. For his service as Company Commander, John received the Navy Commendation Medal with “V” device.
John left active duty in 1967, transitioned to the Marine Corps Reserve, and began a two-year graduate study program in economics at San Diego State University. During this time, John met Marcella Burgess, born in Broken Arrow, OK, who was living and teaching school in Anaheim, CA. After a 9-month courtship, John and Marcella were married in July 1967.
In 1969, John began his career with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as an economic/military analyst working on Southeast Asian economic and military issues. John and Marcy made the Washington, DC area their home, where John continued both his federal government and Marine Corps Reserve careers concurrently. During this time, he and Marcy raised their three boys in McLean, Va, where they attended Langley High School. John was promoted to Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1991. Marcy obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown Law School and started a new career practicing American Indian law. In his CIA career, John held positions as an analyst, statistician, editor, division manager, and staff chief. In 1999 after a 30-year career, John retired from the Marine Corps and the federal civil service.
However, John did not fully retire. In 2000, he began a career with Fusion Tec, Inc, as Chief Operating Officer. Following the attacks of September 11th, John felt a call to serve his country again and in 2003 began work as an independent contractor with the newly created “CIA Office of Military Affairs.” He deployed to Camp Falluja, Iraq with the First Marine Expeditionary Force in 2004, supported Marines during the evacuation of Lebanon during the Israeli/Hezbollah conflict in 2006, and supported Marines in southern Afghanistan during the US troop surge in 2009.
John and Marcella have three sons and 10 grandchildren. Their oldest son, Jason, graduated from West Point and branch transferred to the Marine Corps where he was honorably discharged as a Captain and is a lawyer/lobbyist in D.C. John’s middle son, Justin, is a proud UVA graduate and anthropologist; and youngest son, Eric, is a practicing lawyer in Portland, Maine. All three sons followed their father’s athletic interests and one of John and Marcy’s shared joys were travelling to watch their sons compete in high school athletics and in college sports (football and lacrosse).
John and Marcella have lived lives of service to their country and have left a legacy in their family.
In lieu of flowers/gifts, John requests that you provide your tax deductible donations to the following organizatoions:
Write your Check to: “The United New Paris Cuppett Cemetery” (EIN: 25-6074325)
c/o Matthew Boyer
4116 Cortland Drive, New Paris, PA 15554
Indian Land Working Group (ILWG) at www.indianlandworkinggroup.org, the “Donate Now” link in the middle of the home page.
John Giles will be remembered as a true patriot having served his country in war and peace, in both military and civilian roles, but more importantly he will be missed as a beloved husband and father who was always ready with a compassionate hand and infinite patience. On behalf of John Giles’ family and friends, we honor and remember him for his long and faithful service as a Husband, Father, and Officer.
On Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021, after a two-year battle with cancer, John Bruce Giles passed in his sleep surrounded by his wife of 53 years, Marcella Sue Giles (Burgess), and sons. John was born in Johnstown, PA, on 17 December 1942. His parents were Richard and Cornelia (Cuppett) Giles. John is survived by Marcella (Marcy), his three boys, Jason, Justin, and Erick; his sisters Kathy Johnson, Colleen Filbey, and Gretchen Giles; along with 10 Grandchildren, many nieces and nephews; his cousins in and around New Paris, PA; and his in-laws from Maine, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
John attended Johnstown public schools through tenth grade. His parents moved to Pittsburgh, PA, where he completed high school at Scott Township High School in 1960. Following high school graduation, he began his college education at Bethany College, Bethany, WV, earning a BA in Economics in June 1964. John was active in sports and played Division III football as a center and outside linebacker at Bethany College.
Following his Dad’s service to his country as a B-17 tail gunner in WWII, John felt a strong call to serve his country and enlisted in the US Marine Corps during college. He completed the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course during the summers of 1962 and 1963. Upon college graduation, John was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve. He then entered active duty and began a 6-month officer training program at Marine Corps Base Quantico. He graduated from Quantico with fellow Marine and lifelong friend Charles Krulak, who would go on to become the 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps.
John’s first post was Camp Pendleton, CA, where he was assigned to Echo Company, Second Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division as an infantry platoon leader. John deployed to Vietnam in August 1965. During his 13-month tour, he saw major combat in the provinces of South Vietnam near the DMZ. For his gallantry in combat, John was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” (valor) device. A natural leader, as a 1st Lieutenant he was assigned as Company Commander, H Co., Second Battalion. For his service as Company Commander, John received the Navy Commendation Medal with “V” device.
John left active duty in 1967, transitioned to the Marine Corps Reserve, and began a two-year graduate study program in economics at San Diego State University. During this time, John met Marcella Burgess, born in Broken Arrow, OK, who was living and teaching school in Anaheim, CA. After a 9-month courtship, John and Marcella were married in July 1967.
In 1969, John began his career with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as an economic/military analyst working on Southeast Asian economic and military issues. John and Marcy made the Washington, DC area their home, where John continued both his federal government and Marine Corps Reserve careers concurrently. During this time, he and Marcy raised their three boys in McLean, Va, where they attended Langley High School. John was promoted to Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1991. Marcy obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown Law School and started a new career practicing American Indian law. In his CIA career, John held positions as an analyst, statistician, editor, division manager, and staff chief. In 1999 after a 30-year career, John retired from the Marine Corps and the federal civil service.
However, John did not fully retire. In 2000, he began a career with Fusion Tec, Inc, as Chief Operating Officer. Following the attacks of September 11th, John felt a call to serve his country again and in 2003 began work as an independent contractor with the newly created “CIA Office of Military Affairs.” He deployed to Camp Falluja, Iraq with the First Marine Expeditionary Force in 2004, supported Marines during the evacuation of Lebanon during the Israeli/Hezbollah conflict in 2006, and supported Marines in southern Afghanistan during the US troop surge in 2009.
John and Marcella have three sons and 10 grandchildren. Their oldest son, Jason, graduated from West Point and branch transferred to the Marine Corps where he was honorably discharged as a Captain and is a lawyer/lobbyist in D.C. John’s middle son, Justin, is a proud UVA graduate and anthropologist; and youngest son, Eric, is a practicing lawyer in Portland, Maine. All three sons followed their father’s athletic interests and one of John and Marcy’s shared joys were travelling to watch their sons compete in high school athletics and in college sports (football and lacrosse).
John and Marcella have lived lives of service to their country and have left a legacy in their family.
In lieu of flowers/gifts, John requests that you provide your tax deductible donations to the following organizatoions:
Write your Check to: “The United New Paris Cuppett Cemetery” (EIN: 25-6074325)
c/o Matthew Boyer
4116 Cortland Drive, New Paris, PA 15554
Indian Land Working Group (ILWG) at www.indianlandworkinggroup.org, the “Donate Now” link in the middle of the home page.
John Giles will be remembered as a true patriot having served his country in war and peace, in both military and civilian roles, but more importantly he will be missed as a beloved husband and father who was always ready with a compassionate hand and infinite patience. On behalf of John Giles’ family and friends, we honor and remember him for his long and faithful service as a Husband, Father, and Officer.
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As a long time friend and classmate of Marcella, I was privileged to meet John . A truly fine man, who exemplified the best of patriotism and family values. My sincere sympathies to Marcy, Jason, Justin, Eric and their families. Sharon Smith Summers
I’m not sure I ever had the opportunity to meet John, but I have worked with his wife, Marcella, and his son, Erick, on a few professional projects. My thoughts are with the family as they find some healing through their loss and the grieving process.
COL Giles was a most honored Combat Marine, a fine gentleman, dedicated professional and a true patriot – It was my privilege to have known him professionally. LCDR R.J. Hansen, USNR(RET)
Prayers for you, Marcy, and the Family. May God press in closer during these weeks and months. Bonnie Cuppett
Our tour together in Iraq was the best I had in my six years of various Baghdad assignments. It was dusty, dirty, and at times unhealthy, but we carried on. We talked about life, family, and friends. We even talked about the war and how to get things done. Best of all, we had a lot of laughs. He was a superb officer and good friend. I will miss him forever. Dr. Thomas C. Braman
I had the honor of serving with John in both Echo and Hotel 2/1 during our time in Vietnam. John was an excellent Marine and Officer. During some very intense action, his calm and professional leadership saved many Marines and earned him our lifelong respect. He was and will remain greatly respected by all that served with him. Semper Fi
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Giles. He was a great man and patriot! It was an honor to meet him several years ago when I took my dad (Billy Fowler Wade) to a 2/1 Marine reunion in San Diego…he was my dad’s commanding officer in Vietnam and his hero! My dad often spoke highly of him as a natural born leader and the pinpoint accuracy of which he called in coordinates for air and naval support…he saved many Marines including my dad by doing this! I’m definitely praying for peace and comfort for the family. So sorry for your loss. Billy Wade Jr
A candle was lit for the decedent.
John will always live in the memories of all he served with in Vietnam Veterans of 2nd Bn First Marines. He will never be forgot and was a Great Marine. Semper Fi Marine!
I believe my brother James Heath served with John. Jimmy was in Echo Company 2/1 but was killed in action on Memorial Day 1966.
Dan – I was with your brother on that day in May ’66. I’d like to talk to you. – Doug Jones
My name is Rene Alamillo, everyone called me Mo because the drill instructors couldn’t pronounce my last name. I was in Echo Co. 2d Bn 1st Marines when I met Lt Giles. I had the honor of serving under him for a short while, but he earned my respect for the way he carried himself as an officer with a great personality. My deepest sympathy to the entire family. God rest his soul. former Sgt. Alamillo, Rene
John arrived at Pendleton to form up 2/1, at about the same time that many of us enlisted men were sent there fresh out of Parris Island and Infantry Training. I served in Weapons Platoon, and he was our Platoon Commander. John was an energetic, intelligent and compassionate human being, as well as an inspirational leader. All enlisted men don’t necessarily like all officers – but everyone liked John. Thanks, “LT” for helping us get through the insanity of war. Semper Fi.
My sincere condolences and prayers to the family, 66, 67 Vietnam, Semper Fi Marine, from Canton Ohio
John was all the good things said about him; a leader, a great Marine, a man of many accomplishments, and much more to his family. But I also found him to be a man without pretense; he had an inclusive demeanor, and was a true friend to his fellow Marines. It was an honor to serve with John in Echo Company of the 1st Blt 2nd Marines during the Vietnam War. Semper Fi.
Please forgive me. I served with John in the 2nd Blt 1st Marines. Paul Stenzel
John Giles, the husband of my beloved mentor, Marcella Giles, walked on last June. His service is on Tuesday, November 23, 2021. If I were able, I would attend, but as I’m not, I’d like to honor him here. John Giles had an impressive job, which he couldn’t discuss. But that was not what I most remember about him. John was and is an impressive man. Two of us law students clerked for Marcella Giles in the summer of 1994 at the Department of Interior. She invited us over for dinner one night where we met John and their sons. They had a warm, inviting and comfortable home. It was obvious it was a house filled with love and respect. I noticed how John interacted with his family. He surely was strict and set high expectations of his sons, but he was loving and supportive, too. He engaged with them personally. For a gay man with a dysfunctional father, it was truly wonderful to see a father like that actually existed. Families, particularly children, see us as no one else does, faults and all, so I do not pretend to know John as his sons did. I’m just saying that I couldn’t help being impressed with his interactions with them and the love he showed for his wife and family. Whenever I found myself in D.C., John and Marcella would take me to dinner. John was always warm, engaging and genuinely interested in me. I enjoyed hearing what the two of them had been up to in the intervening years. It was always a warm, wonderful experience. I will miss those, but I hope Marcella and I can keep them up whenever we find ourselves in the same city. Undoubtedly, John will be there, too. I will miss this warm, interesting, engaging man, who never ceased to impress me with that unflagging love and support for his wife, his sons and his country. John, you were a man unlike any other that I met. The Cherokee do not say goodbye; we don’t have a word for it. It is too final and does not comport with our beliefs. Instead, we say, ᏙᎾᏓᎪᎲᎢ. (Donadagohvi.) Until we meet again, John Giles. I look forward to that day. To Marcella, ᏅᏩᏙᎯᏯᏓ (nvwadohiyada) harmony to you. May you find peace and solace again soon. I’ll be sending extra prayers up for you as I know how difficult this holiday season will be. Much love, ᎣᎩᎾᎵᎢ (oginali) my friend.