HARPSWELL – John Pierpont Woods, 94, died at his home on May 23.

Woods was the son of Arthur Woods and Helen Morgan Woods and was born in New York City on Feb. 6, 1918. He was in the fifth graduating class of Brooks School and received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University.

He had a distinguished military career in the U.S. Naval Air Force and received a Distinguished Flying Cross for “heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight.”

As a civilian, he flew for American Airlines and served as an elected representative to the Connecticut General Assembly. His longest and last employment was with the National Business Aircraft Association as operations and air traffic control director.

Upon his retirement in 1980, he bought a blue school bus, loaded all his possessions and dog into it and set out for Costa Rica where he lived for seven years. When he returned to the U.S. he bought a house in Harpswell and happily spent the rest of his days there.

During his retirement he became an avid runner and competed in many marathons. He became a master swimmer and set world age group records into his 90s. He spoke Spanish, French, German and Chinese fluently, played guitar and took great pleasure in taking young athletes under his wing.

Woods is survived by his daughters Julie and her husband, David McCarthy, Josephine Woods, Elizabeth and her husband, Joe Blackmon, and Mary Cannon; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; devoted friend and caretaker, Christina Reynolds; and his neighbor, Dick Parks.

A celebration of his life will take place at the Captain Daniel Stone Inn on June 16 from 12-2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick, ME 04011 or to the Bowdoin International Music Festival, 6300 College Station, Brunswick, ME, 04011.