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John Sidney McCain III 1936 - 2018

John Sidney McCain III was born on August 29, 1936 in Panama Canal Zone, and died at age 81 years old on August 25, 2018 in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona US. John McCain was buried at United States Naval Academy Cemetery Cromwell Way, in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember John Sidney McCain III.

John Sidney McCain III
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August 29, 1936
Panama Canal Zone
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August 25, 2018
Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona, US
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Updated: November 6, 2023
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John Sidney McCain III John McCain (1936 - 2018)
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John Sidney McCain III's History: 1936 - 2018

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  • Introduction

    John Sidney McCain III, born on August 29, 1936, in Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone, was an American statesman and military officer. Renowned for his distinguished career, McCain served in the United States Navy, where he became a naval aviator. He endured over five years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War after his plane was shot down. Beyond his military service, McCain ventured into politics, becoming a prominent figure in the Republican Party. Elected as a U.S. Senator from Arizona in 1986, he held the position until his passing in 2018. McCain's legacy is marked by his dedication to public service, embodying the values of duty, honor, and country both in the military and the political arena.
  • 08/29
    1936

    Birthday

    August 29, 1936
    Birthdate
    Panama Canal Zone
    Birthplace
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  • Ethnicity & Family History

    John Sidney McCain III was born on August 29, 1936, in Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone, to John S. McCain Jr. and Roberta McCain. He was of Scots-Irish and English heritage. Growing up in a military family, McCain's early life was shaped by his father's career as a U.S. Navy officer. He attended various schools in the United States and abroad, following his father's postings.

  • Nationality & Locations

    John McCain lived in various locations throughout his life, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle often associated with military families. Born in Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone, he spent his early years traveling between naval bases due to his father's naval career. McCain's childhood saw residences in places like Norfolk, Virginia, and Hawaii. As he entered adulthood, McCain continued to move, attending the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. His military service took him to locations around the world, including Vietnam, where he was held as a prisoner of war. In his later years, McCain settled in Arizona, becoming a prominent figure in the state's politics. Phoenix was a significant location where he established a home base while serving as a U.S. Senator.

  • Early Life & Education

    McCain continued his family's tradition of military service by entering the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated in 1958, embarking on a journey that would define his life. His education at the Naval Academy laid the groundwork for a career that blended military service with a deep sense of duty and patriotism.

  • Religious Beliefs

    John McCain's religious beliefs were deeply rooted in his Christian faith. Raised in an Episcopal household, he embraced Christianity throughout his life. Faith played a significant role in shaping McCain's values, guiding his moral compass, and providing solace during challenging times. While held captive as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, McCain drew strength from his faith to endure the physical and emotional hardships. The practice of communal prayer with fellow prisoners became a source of resilience and solidarity. McCain often spoke about how his faith sustained him during those difficult years, instilling in him a sense of purpose and hope. Throughout his political career, McCain was open about his religious convictions, emphasizing the importance of faith in public life. He attended North Phoenix Baptist Church in Arizona, where he found spiritual community and support. McCain's approach to politics and public service was influenced by his Christian values, advocating for principles such as justice, compassion, and service to others.

  • Military Service

    John McCain's military service is a defining chapter in his life, marked by resilience and sacrifice. Commissioned into the United States Navy, McCain embarked on a career that would take him to various theaters of conflict. In the midst of the Vietnam War, he flew combat missions as a naval aviator. The pinnacle of his military service, however, came in 1967 when McCain's aircraft was shot down over North Vietnam. Captured by enemy forces, he endured more than five years of brutal captivity, enduring physical and psychological torment. Refusing an offer of early release due to his father's high-ranking military position, McCain displayed unwavering commitment to the principles of honor and solidarity among prisoners of war. Released in 1973 after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, McCain returned to the United States with visible physical effects of his captivity. His military service became a symbol of resilience and patriotism, laying the foundation for his subsequent career in public service.

  • Professional Career

    John McCain's professional career extended beyond his distinguished military service into the realm of politics, where he became a prominent figure on the national stage. His political journey began in 1982 when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Arizona's 1st congressional district. In 1986, McCain shifted to the Senate, a position he would hold for several decades. Known for his bipartisan approach and commitment to principles, he gained a reputation as a maverick within his party. McCain's presidential ambitions took center stage in 2000 when he sought the Republican nomination. Although unsuccessful, he persisted, eventually securing the nomination in 2008. His presidential campaign against Barack Obama showcased his dedication to service, embodying the values of duty, honor, and country. Throughout his political career, McCain championed causes such as campaign finance reform, immigration, and national security.

  • Personal Life & Family

    In 1965, McCain married Carol Shepp, a union that brought three children into their lives: Douglas, Andrew, and Sidney. However, tragedy struck when McCain faced the life-altering events of his military service. During his years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, enduring unimaginable hardships, McCain's first marriage faced its own challenges. Upon his return, the couple divorced, and McCain's life took a new turn. In 1980, McCain married Cindy Hensley, a businesswoman and heiress to a large Arizona beer distributorship. Together, they raised four children: Meghan, Jack, James, and Bridget. McCain's personal life became intertwined with his political journey, and Cindy became a steadfast partner in his public service endeavors.
  • 08/25
    2018

    Death

    August 25, 2018
    Death date
    He passed away at the age of 81 after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
    Cause of death
    Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona US
    Death location
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  • Gravesite & Burial

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    Funeral date
    United States Naval Academy Cemetery Cromwell Way, in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland 21402, United States
    Burial location
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John Sidney McCain III
Photo of Kathy Pinna Kathy Pinna
2.74k+ favorites
08/25/2018
John Sidney McCain III
A photo of John Sidney McCain III - son and grandson of 4 star admirals in the U.S. Navy.

He attended the United States Naval Academy (graduating, as he joked, 5th from the bottom in his class in 1958 - he was a bit of a rebel) and after graduation became a naval aviator. In 1967, he requested combat duty and was assigned to an aircraft carrier in the Gulf in Tonkin. On October 26, 1967 his plane was shot down and he became a prisoner of war.

After 5 and a half years as a prisoner of war and being severely tortured, John was released. The physical effects of his torture lasted the rest of his life.

In the early 1980s, he entered politics in the state of Arizona, eventually becoming a U.S. Senator. While he was nominated for President by the Republican Party in 2008, he lost the race to Democrat Barack Obama. He remained the senior Senator from Arizona until his death from brain cancer in 2018.
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Photo of AncientFaces AncientFaces
411 favorites
08/25/2018
Whether you agreed with his politics or not, Senator John McCain was an honorable and truthful man who represented his country with honesty and integrity. RIP John Sidney McCain III.
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Photo of Delores Stein Delores Stein
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08/25/2018
What a "Handsome Hero" he is.
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Other Biographies

Other John Mccain Biographies

McCain, John (Jul 3, 1942 - Apr 14, 1989) Mccain, John (Born c. 1962) Mccain, John (Born c. 1956) Mccain, John (Born c. 1965) Mccain, John (Born c. 1967) Mccain, John (Born c. 1967) Mccain, John (Born c. 1961) Mccain, John (Born c. 1953) Mccain, John (Born c. 1957) Mccain, John (Born c. 1954)
Mccain, John (Born c. 1952) Mccain, John (Born c. 1949) Mccain, John (Born c. 1915) Mccain, John (Born c. 1952) Mccain, John (Born c. 1939) Mccain, John (Born c. 1952) Mccain, John (Born c. 1941) Mccain, John (Born c. 1965) Mccain, John (Born c. 1955) Mccain, John (Born c. 1964)

Other Mccain Family Biographies

Mccain, Sidney Mccain, Beatrice (Apr 19, 1902 - Dec 1979) Mccain, William (Oct 19, 1892 - Feb 1974) Mccain, Mark (Nov 16, 1963 - Sep 1980) Mccain, Martha (Jul 6, 1921 - Sep 2, 1995) Mccain, Alberta (Apr 25, 1906 - Feb 24, 1992) Mccain, Phyllis (May 27, 1908 - Nov 23, 1995) Mccain, Elwell (Feb 12, 1900 - May 1970) Mccain, Charles (May 19, 1899 - Oct 1966) Mccain, James (Jan 2, 1919 - Nov 23, 1997)
Mccain, Maude (Aug 30, 1882 - Jul 1972) Mccain, Fred (Oct 12, 1943 - Aug 12, 2000) Mccain, Harold (Sep 4, 1910 - May 1974) Mccain, Eva (Apr 4, 1917 - May 13, 1991) Mccain, Caroline (Feb 3, 1935 - Jan 3, 1994) Mccain, George (Apr 28, 1912 - Apr 19, 1991) Green Mccain, Alyce (Jul 14, 1911 - Jan 1982) Mccain, Mary (Nov 22, 1916 - Oct 1983) Mccain, Minnie (Aug 15, 1905 - Jul 1985) Mccain, Francis (Dec 23, 1918 - Apr 27, 1990)
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