On the beautiful Sunday morning of August 23, 2026, John Ryland Whitsitt Jr. of Kansas City, Missouri, flew West, into the arms of his beloved Savior, Jesus Christ.
John’s passion for model airplanes began around the tender age of 7. He spent many hours in his parent’s basement building model airplanes, learning about aerodynamics, and then heading out into the wild blue yonder with his friends to make them fly. This passion continued throughout his life.
After graduating from Center High School in Kansas City, Missouri, he enlisted in the United States, Air Force – just as the Vietnam war was ending. Upon his return, he enrolled in the University of Missouri— Kansas City and graduated with a masters degree in English. He obtained a graduate assistantship as he pursued his masters degree and greatly enjoyed teaching English classes. His educational goals were to learn how to think independently, and to teach his students to do the same. He was known for quick thinking and memorable humorous responses that kept his students attentive.
He worked for Farmers Insurance Company for many years. Beginning as a salesman, promoted to regional manager, and eventually he became a corporate sales trainer. John’s sales regions consistently broke sales records. He enjoyed management and had a simple way of encouraging his representatives that brought out the best in them. This resulted in 100% completion of sales quotas. He also provided training services to Aetna Insurance Corporation and the Full Employment Council. In addition to being an encourager, John was known for his generosity. He was the first to donate to coworkers in need and would encourage other leaders to do the same.
His skills in building and flying RC airplanes became widely recognized. When he was ready to build and fly new airplanes, he was known for giving his current planes away instead of selling them. To him, the joy of giving was greater than the financial gain.
John also had great joy in being a devoted husband to his wife, Sharla. They met in December 2001 and married September 14, 2002. As newlyweds, John supported her as she pursued a masters degree in music therapy. While she was a full-time student, John provided all the income and completed all the chores at home. After Sharla graduated, he continued to do all the chores, simply because it gave him joy to do so. He also enjoyed cooking, grilling, and smoking all kinds of meat.
As John’s story came to a close, and he was told he had only a few months to live, his generous spirit was fully released. He gave over 30 of his “Whitsitt“ RC planes to his friends. Yet, 7 of his largest and most challenging planes to fly —remained. Unable to travel, John called on his friends across the country. – TJ Klise of Dawsonville, Georgia, and Pete Johnson of Paris, Illinois— to find proper homes for them. TJ drove to Kansas City to pick them up three days before John’s death. Assisted by local RC pilot and family friend— Vernon “Bernard” Barrett, the planes were loaded into TJ‘s large van and driven to Georgia.
The Whitsitt aircraft selection will be displayed online for a silent auction on October 17, 2026 to create the John Whitsitt Memorial Fund, benefiting the nationally recognized North Georgia Model Aviators (NGMA) Junior Flight Program. This organization “supports and trains the next generation of RC pilots. They offer hands-on learning, mentorship, and safe flying experiences for young enthusiasts (see ngmarc.org).”
John was preceeded in death by his devoted parents, John Ryland Whitsitt, Sr; and Betty L Rumans Whitsitt; father-in-law Calvin Eugene Webb, Mother-in-law, Eupha Dell Webb; brother-in-law, Dinzel Webb; and sister-in-law Sarah Webb.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Sharla G Webb Whitsitt of Kansas City, Missouri; sister, Marsha Whitsitt Walters (the family is unsure of her whereabouts but are hoping to find her). Sisters-in-law Diane Webb of Russellville; Audine(Dennis) McBeth of Winters,Texas; Rena Webb of Chehalis, Washington, and Gaylena(Roy) Teckemeyer of Slater, and of course, friends and RC pilots in the Kansas City Metro area and across the country.
A public celebration of life will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Sunchasers flying field (near the intersection of Woodland Drive and Cookingham Road in the Kansas City Northland. You can also search Maps for Sunchasers Flying Field, Northland, Kansas City, Missouri). Please bring a lawn chair. At the close of the service, his ashes will be scattered from the air at the Sunchasers Flying Field.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the NGMA. In the comments section please write: John Whitsitt Memorial Fund
We will miss you, John, but we know your soul is soaring to worlds unknown as you behold the Rock of Ages on his throne – Happy journeys, John!
