John Davidson Malcolm Jr., 86

Lifelong private pilot and flight instructor

Published May 27, 2020

GROTON — John Davidson Malcolm Jr., 86, formally of Lynnfield for 53 years and a beloved resident of RiverCourt Residences in Groton, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2020.

He was the son of the late John D. Malcolm Sr. and Helen (Johnstone) Malcolm.

John graduated from Everett High School in 1951 before enlisting in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his proud service with the USAF, John went into partnership with his father in the Malcolm Electrical Contracting Company, Inc. in Everett. As the business grew, his expertise grew in the arson investigation field and he became a well respected certified fire investigator in forensic electrical and fire consulting, investigating many important cases within the U.S. and overseas.

He was a life member of the International Association of Arson Investigators and was a life member of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics Association. He served as the past president of the Everett Cooperative Bank Board of Directors and served as the past president of Lynnfield Rotary. He was a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the Valley of Boston for over 30 years. He also was a Master Mason of the Lynnfield-Zetland Lodge A.F. & A.M. for 41 years. He was a parishioner of the Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, where he was recognized for over 50 years of membership.

John was a lifelong private pilot and flight instructor, flying his plane out of TEW-MAC and Lawrence Municipal Airport. Later, John became an advocate in the protection of horses; often volunteering at Ironstone Farm to assist in their therapeutic riding program to individuals with a variety of challenges. He could often be found at “the barn” with his horse, Sunny, and his dog, Allie, by his side.

John is proceeded in his passing by his wife Carol (Minchin) Malcolm and his sister Helen (Malcolm) Stickney. His brother Charles Malcolm and his wife Judy of Oregon survive John. John was the beloved father of Susan Malcolm of Florida; Cynthia Martell and her husband Paul of Groton; John D. Malcolm III and his fiancé Suzanne Oslander of Connecticut; and Scott Malcolm and his wife Cindy of Kansas. Four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren also survive him. John also leaves behind many caring family and friends.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date at the Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared and prayed for Dad over the last few years while he struggled with dementia and while battling the coronavirus.