John Bradfield Danna Jr.'s Obituary
John B. Danna, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on September 14, 2015 from cancer complications. John was born in Dallas, TX to Emma Matthews Danna and John Bradfield Danna on October 31, 1930. He attended Highland Park schools which included his family namesake of Bradfield Elementary. He graduated from HP in 1948 and attended Colorado A&M in 1948 and 1949. He then transferred to Southern Methodist University where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in 1953. John gained his Air Force commission through the AFROTC Program at SMU. After graduation he joined the US Air Force and became a Personnel Officer stationed in Newfoundland, Canada. John maintained active duty status until 1955 when he joined the Air Force Reserves until 1990 retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After graduating in 1958 from The University of Texas in Austin with a BS degree in Architecture he joined his father’s architectural firm of John B. Danna. He later worked at Beran & Shelmire; partnered with Max Chapman on Steak & Ale Restaurants in the early days; was field architect and leasing agent on Promenade Shopping Center; and VP Construction Administrator for Architectonics, Inc. As a registered architect in the State of Texas, John formed John B. Danna, Jr., A.I.A., Architects-Planners in 1975 specializing in inspections and investigations in the construction industry which included commercial, high rise office, and multi-family residential projects. John’s expertise was sought out by lending institutions, owners and other architects to consult with them during the construction phase of many projects. He maintained his business for forty years. Organization memberships included the American Institute of Architects, The Texas Society of Architects, and Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. John formerly served on the Fire Code and Appeals Board, The Building Code and Appeals Board, the Liaison Committee for the City of Dallas, several Dallas architectural committees, Camp Summit Advisory Board, Fair Park Junior Livestock Committee, and Dallas Appraisal District Board. He enjoyed the days that he delivered Meals on Wheels. Along with his wife Sandi, John was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church in Strawn, Texas. John’s greatest joy was spending time at his J-S Ranch near Mingus, TX; watching wildlife, selling hay, planting a garden, entertaining friends, and relaxing. As an avid hunter and fisherman he received great pleasure in doing these activities with his grandchildren teaching them the enjoyment of the outdoors. Most people considered him their hunting partner and knew that once he whipped out that lucky cigar the birds were bound to fly. He enjoyed traveling and had many memorable destinations; however, he always managed to find time for an annual silver salmon fishing trip to his favorite lodge on the Yentna River in Alaska inviting friends to accompany him. John Danna loved every experience of life and loved the life given to him leaving a positive influence on friends, family and strangers. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law Parker Smith. Survivors include wife Sandi Danna, sons Jeff Danna (wife Karla), Paul Danna (wife Linnea), daughter Tricia Johnson (husband Doug), stepson Michael Martin, and sister Hazel Smith Rumley; beloved grandchildren Nicholas Danna, Kirsten Danna, Garrett Danna, Alivia Danna Youree, Preston Danna, Ali Johnson, Trevor Johnson, Mackenzie Martin, Brandon Martin, Zachery Martin. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and an immeasurable number of friendships. A Memorial Service will be held for 2:30 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2015 at Restland Memorial Chapel, 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX. Reception will follow at Aboca’s, 100 S. Central Expressway, Suite 63, Richardson, TX 75080. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 207, Strawn, TX 76475; North Texas Food Bank, 4500 S. Cockrell Hill Rd., Dallas, TX 75236; or VNA-Meals on Wheels, 1600 Viceroy, #400, Dallas, TX 75235. The funeral service will be held at 2:30 PM on Friday, September 18, 2015 at Restland Memorial Chapel.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?