John Charles “Butch” Tokaz of Playa Del Rey CA passed away April 8th 2026 after a brief illness. Born April 30th 1941 in Norfolk VA to Adolph E. Tokaz (Col USAF) (Walpole, MA) and Frances E. Jones (Saluda, SC).
As a military brat John had many travels and experiences. He lived in Japan during the occupation after the war, (traveling by troop transport from NY to Japan). He also lived in Long Island NY, Albuquerque NM, Warner Robins GA, New Orleans LA, Alexandria VA, and Columbia SC.
A graduate of The Citadel (Charleston, SC) in 1963, he served four years active duty in the USAF, and continued in the reserves until retirement.
Following active duty he worked for Grumman, Bethpage NY., before moving to Los Angeles CA. Early jobs were with Price Waterhouse, Atlantic Ritchfield, and Flying Tiger Line .He was also employed by Northrup (B-2 bomber program), and Western and Continental Airlines. He had his own business JTA Legal.
He attended, with his sister Terri, many of his father’s WWII reunions with the 57th Bomb Wing. He enjoyed meeting the veterans and listening to the stories of their time during the war.
John was a member of the South Carolina Historical Aviation foundation.
He is survived by his sister Terri Tokaz (Columbia, SC) and brother Tik Tokaz (Huntsville, AL).
Internment will be at Riverside National Cemetery, CA.
The family requests that any memorials be made in John’s name to either
the Saluda County Historical Society Saluda, 109 Law Range St. Saluda, SC 29138 or the South Carolina Historical Aviation Foundation, 3100 Devine St. Columbia SC 29205