Jack Karnes

1 MAR 1932 - 21 NOV 1996



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Jack and Sandra Karnes

1993



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L - 2

1st Row: Goldstein - Hardy - Schlotter - Faurer - Cutchin - Landers
2nd Row: Mayson - Darrah - Volkstadt - Barker
3rd Row: Herren - Karnes - Doerr - Smetana
4th Row: McNerney - Maus - Spellman - Schepps - Sydenham



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Jack was a warm - personable good friend to all of us in L-2. One of our favorite stories about him came from his first day in Beast Barracks. When asked by a grouchy and intimidating Firstie member of the Beast Detail - "Who are you - Mister?" Jack smiled broadly - extended his hand and replied - "Hi. I'm Jack Karnes from Galleon - Ohio. What's your name?" The rest of the encounter is best left to the imagination. Jack became interested in body building during his cadet career - and developed himself into a pretty good approximation of Arnold Schwartzenegger. During one of our automotive mechanics classes - it was necessary to move a heavy engine block that was to be used in a demonstration. The "P" asked for some volunteers for the task - whereuopn Jack single handedly picked up the block and moved it as requested. He later said words to the effect."I've been working for an opportunity like that for years." As a plebe - Jack was the best spit shiner in L-2. His shoes were a work of art that many tried to emulate - but could not achieve the same level of perfection. I remember one day when a Plebe Chaser at Dinner formation looked down and said - "Mr. Karnes - it's a pleasure every day to come out here and just look at your shoes!" Jack was always a cheerful - sunny presence during our four years as cadets - no matter what travails we were encountering along the way. Although I lost track of him over the years - I'll always treasure our days togeteher at the Rock - as I'm sure my fellow L-2 files do as well. Walt Landers July 14 - 2003

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USMA 1955 Roster

USMA 1955 Pictures