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John Wallace (Jack) Jackson was born in Grand Forks, ND. He
and his siblings spent their summers in a small cabin on Lake
Bemidji, MN. Jack went to school in Bemidji and graduated from
Bemidji High School. He moved to California after high school
and attended the University of Southern CA for a year before
gaining his appointment to West Point where he joined the Class
of 1946 on 1 July 1943.
Life as a cadet presented no problems for Jack. His consummate
humor kept his classmates laughing most of the time and many
credited it with pulling them through Plebe year. In 1945, Jack
opted for Air Cadet Training and graduated with his pilot wings
as a second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps.
Jack's children prepared the story of his life with some of his
favorite quotations listed in parenthesis. It is a fitting tribute
to a very fine man from those who loved him most:
"Jack and Mary Ann Moe were married in the West Point Chapel
immediately after graduation. While he was in Korea, they began
a tradition of writing to each other every Friday night. The
tradition of dressing up and going out to dinner every Friday
night continued for their 35 years of married life.
"They would travel the world together while raising four
children. As a pilot, he flew F-100s in Korea and B-47s while
in SAC. In additions to flying 100 missions in Korea, he was
chosen as an exchange officer to the Royal British Air Force
in Cranwell, England in 1955. His role was to teach the British
AF about USAF techniques.
"While on active duty, every three years brought a new assignment
and the children remember fondly the trips across country in
BETSY, a blue 1956 Ford station wagon. We would all pile in the
car at the crack of dawn. We would have to be quiet when it was
Mom's turn to drive and Dad took a nap in the back seat. Dad
would always remark, (We don't know where we are going, but we're
making good time!) Historic markers and tourist attractions were
allotted a full 5 minutes, as were bathroom breaks.
"Sundays were spent going to church, (It was a matter of
discipline, not religion.) After retirement and moving to Apple
Valley, CA, he volunteered to help elderly people with their
taxes and with Hospice, often listening to old soldiers share
their war stories. He loved life and could often be found in
the early morning walking out of the house to play (Tiger Tail)
at the Apple Valley country Club before the other (Leroys) showed
up.
"He retained his pilot's license after retirement and instilled
his love for flying in all of his children, each one having the
chance to fly in small planes with him as adults.
"After losing his wife to cancer in 1986, he was lost until
he was introduced to Shirley Klosterman Moore through a family
friend. He and Shirley spent the next six years traveling the
world together, sharing family stories, dancing, playing golf
and living life to the fullest. His calendar was always full
with family reunions, West Point gatherings, golf tournaments
and cruises to all parts of the world. After one of these cruises
in 2000, cancer was discovered. Throughout his illness, he retained
his sense of humor and love for life. Only two days before he
died, he had a beer to toast the good life with Shirley and his
children. He raised his glass and toasted, 'To four beautiful
children, Shirley Mae and a wonderful life.'
"His attitude towards life is best summarized in a letter
he wrote to his wife from Korea in 1950, 'Darling, I have but
one life and I really, sincerely feel I should seek all the happiness
I can.'"
Jack Jackson died 13 December 2000 at his home in Apple Valley,
CA. Survivors include son, Terry; daughters, Nancy, Pam and Deborrah;
three brothers, Robert, Don and Bill; one sister, Joan; eleven
grandchildren and one great grandson.
In addition to the words of love and affection from his children,
his classmates recalled a friend who added much to their lives.
Roommate Dan Levy remembered: "After graduation, I did not
see Jack until our reunion in 1996. In 1999, he came to visit
for several days in New Orleans. Amazingly, we both felt as if
we had never been apart. I was very thankful we had gotten together
again near the end. He always kept my spirits up as a cadet.
I will miss him very much."
AF classmate, John Molchan, remembered: "Jack was the consummate
Fighter Pilot, whose dedication to accomplishment of the mission
was an inspiration to those who knew and flew with him. His conduct
reflected the motto, Duty, Honor, Country. Jack, we will miss
you."
The Class of 1946 is proud to proclaim those words that would
mean so much to our classmate: "Well Done, Jack; Be Thou
At Peace!"
'46 MEMORIAL ARTICLE PROJECT AND HIS FAMILY
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