WAYCROSS — John L. Wykstra, 81, of Waycross died Thursday morning, July 20, 2023, at Baptist Village Nursing Home after an extended illness.
Wykstra was born in Denver, Colo., to the late Cornelius Peter Wykstra and Mildred Vanderploeg Wykstra. He lived in Stockbridge, Ga. for many years before moving to Waycross in 2017.
Wykstra was a talented photographer who served his country faithfully in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and played trombone in the U.S. Army Band. After his military career, Wykstra worked in photo processing and was a security guard. He enjoyed fishing and loved photography. Wykstra was a member of Destination Church.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Dongsun Wykstra of Waycross; his son, Dr. David Wykstra (wife Terra) of Waycross; six grandchildren, Jackson Wykstra, Millie Wykstra, Parker Wykstra, Maylee Sowell, Madilynn Oakley, Johnathan Wykstra; two siblings, Judy Meyer and Jim Wykstra (wife Jean); as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A funeral service will be held Friday, July 28 at 10 a.m., in the Miles-Odum Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in Jacksonville National Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Miles-Odum Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kan., 66675-8516.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome.com
Miles-Odum Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.