Columbus Dispatch, The (OH)
Obituaries
Published: July 13, 2008
Edition: Home Final
Section: NEWS
Page: 06B
GODFREY John "Jack" Godfrey, 87, of Reynoldsburg, entered into eternal rest Saturday, July 12, 2008 at his home after a brief illness. A native of Skaneateles, NY, and a graduate of Jordan Free Academy, Jordan, NY, Godfrey migrated to OH in 1940. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps, in Pilot training, May 1942 and trained as a Radio Operator and Aerial Gunner. His combat crew trained in Casper, WY. He and the former Irene Langel were married in Base Chapel June 10, 1944. From Casper, Godfrey and his crew flew to Venosa, Italy, where they were attached to the 485th Bombardment Group, flying in B24's. On their 18th Mission, bombing enemy targets, the crew was shot down near Budweis, Czech. He was captured by the German Army and imprisoned at Gross Tychow in what is now, part of Poland. The entire camp of nearly 10,000 POWs was evacuated from the camp February 6, 1944 and were forced-marched for the next 80 days. Godfrey returned to the U.S. one year after his marriage. Godfrey worked for newspapers in London, Galion, and for the Columbus citizen before he founded the Reynoldsburg Little Weekly and CG Printing. He established the printing department at Motors Mutual Insurance Company and worked there for 15 years. After retiring at age 65, Godfrey served as the printer at Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church, where he was a member for 52 years. Godfrey was an active contributor to Civitan International, a member of the American Legion Post #243, American Ex-Prisoners of War, Chapter 1, Reynoldsburg Republican Club, and volunteered for the Special Olympics. Godfrey was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers and one sister. He is survived by his wife, of 64 years, Irene; daughters, Pamela (Samuel) Osborn, and Margaret (John) Sawyer); six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church, 1636 Graham Rd., where friends may call Monday from 5-8 p.m., Rev. Elaine Sturtz, Dr. Carl Wiley, and Rev. Robert Kimes, officiating. Burial in Kirkersville Cemetery. Jack's family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the care shown by Odyssey Hospice. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jack UNKNOWN_HIGHBIT_e2 UNKNOWN_HIGHBIT_80 UNKNOWN_HIGHBIT_99 s memory to Odyssey Hospice, 540 Officenter Place, Ste 100, Gahanna, OH 43230. Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER EAST CHAPEL (614)861-6268. To offer condolences visit www.schoedinger.com "Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries"