John Brothers

I’m a member of the Alva High School class of ’77 (Greatest Ever) and a 1982 graduate of the University of Oklahoma in Aviation.  I’m married to Debbie Brothers.  I have two daughters:  Kelsie is 34 and Tiffany was 37 when she left us to live in Heaven.   Eli is our 5-year-old lab. 

I like most things that can be done outside:  mountain biking, fishing, hiking, surfing, snow boarding, scuba diving, traveling abroad, and traveling domestically by motor home.   Family and friends are usually part of our adventures.   A good glass of wine and a story is a perfect place to start.

I’ve been a pilot for American Airlines since 1986.   I have flown: B-727, B-757, B-767, B-777, B-787, MD-80, MD-11.  I severed as a Check Airman & Aircrew Program Designee on the MD-80, B-777, and B-787.  It was a big deal to be chosen to be initial cadre on the B-787 for AA.   We were tasked with designing the program, writing the flight procedures, building the training program, and coordinating with the FAA for the certification of the Dreamliner at AA.

Our church is a place where you can find us.  It gives us joy to help with the worship service.  We are pleased to see our finances meet the needs for those who need it the most.   God and I work together every day.

It’s been an honor to serve our town of Copper Canyon in various capacities.  I’ve served on City Council, Board of Adjustments, Water Board, and Planning & Zoning Commission.  I also got to mow the town right of ways for 25 years. (I wasn’t elected to that position)

I’ve worked with “Pilots for Kids” for most of my career.  In 2001 my buddy John Elsey and I came up with the idea of running a golf tournament to help fund the DFW chapter of PFK.  We put that plan into action and in the last 20 years have raised over $1,500,000 for the hospitalized children in the DFW metroplex.  Our model is being used for 11 more chapters across the US.

My Daughter Tiffany was diagnosed with ALS in 2017.  It’s a horrible disease that compels one to take actions to fight it. We have partnered with American Airlines, Answer ALS, Steve Gleason, MDA and numerous others to raise funds for research and create awareness about this awful disease.  American Airlines raised $5,000,000 for Answer ALS.  Steve Gleason started Answer ALS to figure out and battle ALS.  MDA provides wonderful support to those afflicted with this life stealing disease.
My friends, many from Alva, have graciously given over $200,000 for Tiffany’s support and to fight ALS.

I am humbled to be honored by my hometown of Alva, OK.