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Jack Punches Obituary
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George McKnight
May 13, 2025
Jack, I am kinda late but I’m catching up. I remember you coaching little league in Brunswick and my Chris was on your team. I was one of your squadron mates in VP-26 Special Projects. I still talk about our time together. George McKnight, CAPT, USN, Ret
Marvin Allen
September 12, 2023
Still think about you and miss you. A great man taken far too soon.
Linda Turnage
September 11, 2023
Remembering you today. Gone but never forgotten.
Phil Cook
September 11, 2023
Thinking of you today Jack. You're greatly missed.
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Buster and Pam Brown
September 14, 2021
Hope you are watching and smiling from heaven at the garden gate. Janice and I still spend hours on the phone, no surprise there! Jen and Jeremy are such accomplished adults that have given Janice 4 amazing grandkids. The two boys being your namesake and the two girls would have you wrapped around their fingers. I know as you watch over them all you are proud. We miss you dear friend.
Buster and Pam Brown
September 2021
YNCS/AW Chuck Whitney, USN Retired
September 13, 2021
With heart-felt sorrow the United States Navy lost a great leader and human. Thank you for your leadership at USTRATCOM J3621
Tony Diaz
September 12, 2020
Thank you skipper
S.J. Friscia III
January 12, 2020
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Tiffany Troxclair
September 8, 2019
I never got the opportunity to meet you but I know you were my step-uncle. You probably didn't even know I existed but I tell your story every year to a new generation of kids who were not even born when you were tragically taken away. I have visited your memorial at the Pentagon and this summer paid respect to your name on the WTC memorial. I can't even imagine the pain your family feels as we approach that tragic day again. I will try to do you justice and once again tell your story so your death was not for nothing.
Phil Cook
September 11, 2017
Thinking of you on this sad day. You're gone but never forgotten. Miss ya Jack.
August 7, 2017
Visited your bench again this Memorial Day, as every year. The memories of such a great human being never dim. God bless the family.
Marvin Allen
CPO AW/NAC Retired
VPU-1 Old Buzzards
Del Newberry
August 6, 2017
Thank you for your service. My prayers are with your friends and family.
Linda Turnage
September 11, 2016
Today is the 15th anniversary that a great man made the ultimate sacrifice. Forever in the hearts of everyone that knew you.
Love and hugs to Janice, Jennifer, Mike, Maddie, Jack, Jeremy, Holly, Jackson and Reese.
Cheryl and Neil Levine
September 11, 2016
Still thinking of jack, especially today
Be well.
George Skillman
September 11, 2016
My thoughts turn to "two shoes" today.
RIP Jack Punches, Capt., USN, Ret
Gregg Petersen
September 10, 2016
Jack was my class leader when I attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk in 1993. He was an unforgettable, larger-than-life leader for our group. He had this quiet confidence in himself, but the thing I remember most was his sense of humor. We always had a good time with Jack whether learning about Carrier Onboard Delivery in class or while he was orienting us to the culture of the Oceana Naval Air Station Officers Club. Seven years later when I was assigned to the Pentagon we renewed our friendship and occasionally chatted at the Pentagon Athletic Club during the week. I was shocked to hear of his loss on 9-11. I visited his memorial at the Pentagon last week; a fitting tribute for a great man taken from us too soon.
Tracy Harden
September 12, 2015
Always in my thoughts and prayers
The Stonekings
September 11, 2015
My heart still breaks 14 years later. This year we visited the Pentagon with friends and we reminisced about Sigonella while standing at your bench. Thinking of the entire Punches family today. Sending thoughts, prayers and hugs. We will never forget.....
Joe VanKuiken
September 13, 2014
Right after 9/11/01, I saw an internet ad featuring wrist bands fashioned after the POW wrist bands of the 60's & 70's. I could choose either a victim of the twin towers or the Pentagon. My son had just started his second year at USAFA, so I chose the Pentagon. I received a wrist band with Capt Jack Punches' name engraved on it. I thought it was a good deed on my part... until I read the biography of Capt. Punches and realized it was MY honor and privilege to wear his name on my wrist band. That was Nov 2001. I've worn it every day since. Last year, after my son was transferred to Andrews Air Force Base, I had the privilege of a private tour of the Pentagon. My most inspiring memory is visiting the memorial inside the Pentagon and tracing the name of Captain Punches. Last year, my wife & I rode my Harley Davidson in the first annual bikers ride for the victims of 9/11 on Sept 11, 2013. I rode for Capt. Punches. We just returned home from the second annual ride, again on Sept 11, and again in memory of Capt. Punches. We will hopefully continue for at least a few more years. I am honored to ride for such a great and respected hero.
Linda Turnage
September 11, 2014
Jack,
It is hard to believe that 13 years have passed. I come back here each year to remember you, but your legacy lives on in the strength of your family. I know your 4 grandchildren, Jackson, Maddie, Reese and Jack are already growing up hearing your stories. And Janice, Jeremy, Holly, Jen and Mike all move forward, but you are forever in their thoughts. Continue to guide them and give them strenght. Also watch over your 4 adorable, beautiful grandkids, you are their guardian angle.
TO Janice, Jeremy, Holly, Jennifer, Mike, Jackson, Maddie, Reese and Jack, I send my love to each of you.
Marvin Allen
June 25, 2014
Late entry for this year. Made my annual trip to DC on Memorial Day to visit Jack and others. Had the honor of seeing the new Memorial in Arlington. It is within sight of another fallen Old Buzzard, MCPO Mark VanReken. It is fitting that he and a wonderful memorial to Jack are so near to each other. Still remember all our squadron outings with Jack, Janice, and the kids. I am planning a trip to the cemetery in Tower Hill this summer with my wife, Nancy.
God speed to all who loved Jack. He was truly a gift to the world.
Marvin T. Allen
CPO AW/NAC, USN Retired
Randy Martin
May 10, 2014
I just ran a 5k today with Capt. Jack Punches name on my shirt. I ran my personal best In honor of this great man.
Capt. Buster & Pamela Brown
September 12, 2013
Heard a golden oldie on the radio the other day and thought of you. Knew you would know the name of the song and artist with no trouble!!Janice and I still do our hour long talks on the phone, catching up with the latest family news. Keep guiding and watching over them. Cheers dear friend. We miss you.
September 12, 2013
You will always be remembered by those lives you touched.
Sorely Missed
September 12, 2013
Twelve years have passed since we were robbed of your goodness. Sat down today and reread the accounts of that horrific day as reported by those in your office.
Nancy and I took our grandson to your bench this Memorial Day and told him of your selfless sacrifice. Each year I will continue the Memorial Day weekend Rolling Thunder tribute to you and others for so long as the body will allow.
I think often of Janice and the kids. Keeping you and your entire family in my prayers.
Marvin Allen
CPO AW/NAC
Retired
Linda Turnage
September 11, 2013
Gone but never forgotten. Love to Janice, Jeremy, Holly, Jackson, Reese, Mike, Jennifer, Maddie and Jack.
Phil Cook
September 11, 2013
Well it's hard to believe it's been 12 years today. Time just flies anymore it seems. You may be gone, but you'll never be forgotten. Rest in peace Jack. See you soon.
Tracy Harden
September 11, 2013
Thinking of you and your family today. God Bless you all!
Linda Turnage
September 11, 2012
Jack,
Today is 11 years, but your memory does not fade. It lives on in all the people you have touched. You are gone but never forgotten. I know your grandchildern - Jackson, Reese, Maddie and Jack will grow up to know what a great man you are. To Janice, Jennifer, Mike, Jeremy and Holly, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you all
September 11, 2012
Jack, my friend, college room-mate, I think of you often and more so on 9/11.
Don Parker
Brigadier General
US Army Retired
Jay & Donna Kufeldt
September 11, 2012
Our hearts are still in pain over the loss of Jack. We were so blessed to have had Jack in our lives and to be able to spend time with him. Jack certainly made college enjoyable. We miss Jack today, tomorrow, and always. Our love goes out to Janice, Jeremy, Jennifer, and their families.
Marvin
September 11, 2012
Jack, it has been 11 years today, but you memory and deeds still shine brightly for those of us so honored to have known you.
The Memorial Day visit to your bench was as emotional as the first one. You would have been so proud this year at the turnout in Washington that weekend. Our Rolling Thunder event brought over a million bikes and at least twice that many people to honor you and those like you who selflessly gave it all for the rest of us. Thank you again.
My thoughts and prayers remain with your beautiful family.
You are so, so missed, but your gifts you left behind continue to give daily.
Good flying!
Marvin Allen
CPO/USN (AW/NAC) Retired, VPU-1
Buster & Pam Brown
September 11, 2012
Jack, I know you are smiling down from heaven at Janice, Jen and Jeremy. Janice is an amazing grandmother to 4 beautiful grand children, 2 wee boys being named after you! You would have a blast teaching them how to play baseball for sure. I'm sure they will be Cardinal fans!! Maddie and Reese would have you wrapped around their little fingers. They are beauties! You would be so very proud of all of them. Cheers to you dear friend, we miss you.
Phil Cook
September 11, 2012
Well another year has passed but my memory of you will never fade. I think of you often and miss your humor and guick smile. You are greatly missed. My blessings to all of Jack's family today and always.
Charles R. Kent
September 11, 2012
Many thoughts race over my mind from how our lives were brought together for our service to our nation. As a young sailor serving with you in VP-49, you saw something worthy of notice and permitted me to be the LPO of my workcenter even though I was junior in rank to my peers. The trust you put in me shows only a small example of how you lead the troops under your guidance. I never forget this and will always keep you in my heart and memory. Your family is truly blessed to have called you dad, honey, whatever they could get away with. I know you would answer to them all. May you rest in peace and prayers for your family until joined together again. Sincerely,
Charles R. Kent
PRCM(AW/SW) USN (ret.)
Connie Stansell
September 11, 2012
Memories of you and your beautiful family will always be a part of my life. I was able to share some of those memories with my daughter and told her how you used to sing "Pretty Woman" all the time. She recently visited the Pentagon and her entire class searched for your name. She was able to tell them what she had learned about you, your service to our country and the impact you had on her parents. You live on forever through the lives you touched the brief time you were on this planet. Thank you for wonderful memories.
September 11, 2012
In the wake of the attacks 11 years ago today I, like so many others, purchased a 9/11 bracelet and I was honored to receive one with the name of Capt. Jack Punches. As a veteran myself it seemed fitting. Each year I take time to review Capt. Punches great achievements, while daily remembering the day his life was cut short and taken from his family. Though I never knew you or your family, Jack, you are now a part of my life, and forever will be.
Susie Woodley
September 11, 2012
Though I never knew you personally, I will never forget the graduation speech you gave at Tower Hill High School and how our family was in awe of all that you had achieved in your life. We felt great pain when we heard the news that you were one of the lost. You touched the lives of our family and you were an inspiration to my children. May God bring peace to your family.
Your amazing grandbabies, Jackson and Reese
September 10, 2012
Man I miss you like crazy these days. I think its because I have two kids of my own now. I can only imagine the way your face would light up if you could see them. Jackson and Reese are incredible. I know they'll know you though because Holly talks to them about you all the time, she really is an incredible mom. I know that despite the pain I feel from your loss, I truly am blessed to have two incredible kids and an amazing wife. I love you man, miss you everyday.
-Jeremy
Wanda Alllen
April 20, 2012
Well Jack another year has gone by. I think of you a lot and your family. You will alway be in my heart. Sorry I missed your "Birthday"..The memories of you will never die..Some day we will all be together again and that will be the happiest reunion ever..Lord continue to bless and keep this family safe in your son Jesus name Amen..Love ya
A small honor for a big hero.
April 17, 2012
Preparing for my annual motorcycle trip to Washington on Memorial Day. I am blessed to again be serving as an escort in the Rolling Thunder event for a Gold Star Mother. This year, after my annual visit to Jack's bench, I am making a ride to Tower Hill to visit Jack's grave.
Jack filled a lot of empty cups on this earth during his short visit, but he certainly left an empty spot in the hearts of all who were honored to know him.
God continue to bless this family.
Marvin Allen
CPO/USN (AW/NAC) Retired, VPU-1
One of my visits to Jack's bench.
Marvin Allen
April 17, 2012
Ilena
April 16, 2012
Even though this is the date on which you were born i am now older than you! Tears still flow and at times my heart aches almost more than I think I can bear. One day all of the silliness of this world will end and we will all be together again. I love you.
Wanda Allen
September 13, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I will never ever forget my friend Jack. Jack was a great friend, husband, father, son and brother. Jack was a family man and respected each and everyone in his own way. Jack taught me how to play football, baseball and any other sports there was. We as kids had a lot of fun. Ruth and Leon was like a mother and father to me and I will always love for that. You will never be forgotten either. Jack we will always remember what you did for the American People. What a great man he was. God bless you Jack and the family.
Scott Mathias
September 12, 2011
Thinking of the loss sufered on that day ten years ago all day sunday .Drove to the monument two times just to reflect THANK YOU Jack Punches pease be with your Family
Marlene Fields
September 11, 2011
Thinking of your family today. Jack Punches'grandfather was a cousin to my grandfather, Charley Punches. Didn't know Jack, but I would have liked to have met him. God bless your family.
JANET
September 11, 2011
I remember all the joy. We will laugh together again.
Jesse & Sandi Baker
September 11, 2011
Thinking of your family today. God Bless
September 11, 2011
Janice & family and for Ruth, I knew Jack (Jackie) when he was a little boy in Tower Hill, Illinois. My daughter, Edana, was in his class through the 5th grade. I knew Ruth & Leon with fondness. My heart ached for all of you on September 11, 2001 and it does this morning when all the memories are stirred up all over.
Mary Whittles Fouts
Carrie & Terry Stoneking
September 11, 2011
Never forgotten.
Buster & Pam Brown
September 11, 2011
Janice, Jenn, Mike, Wee Maddie, Jeremy, Holly and Sweet Jackson,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you today. Our love and devotion to Jack's memory this 10 year anniversary, but for all the days past and days yet to come we miss and love him so. It is still so hard for all of us to wrap around his passing. We miss that quick wit and even quicker smile and laugh that all that knew him and now hold in our hearts and will forever. We love you guys.
Phil Cook
September 11, 2011
Never forgotten and greatly missed.
Linda Turnage
September 10, 2011
Jack,
You are a great man who will never be forgotten. Your memory continues to live on thru all the people that you touched and the stories they share about you.
Please continue to watch over your family and continue to be that special guardian angel to your granddaughter, grandson and grandson to be...
Janice, Jenn, Mike, Maddie, Jeremy, Holly and Jackson, sending lots of prayers and hugs to all of you.
Love you all.
Sue (Stalets) Livingood
September 10, 2011
Thinking of the Jack Punches family. May God bless and protect your family! RIP Jack...I thank you for your service to our country. In our Pana Labor Day parade we had a very special memorial for all involved in 9/11. It made me very proud of our small town...we honor you!
Wanda Koons
September 10, 2011
My thoughts & prayers are with all of you on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. I will never forget that day, it was like yesterday. Jack was a great brother-in-law. Wish he was there to enjoy Maddie and Jackson, he would be a really good grandpa. He will always be in our hearts and memories.
Angela & Dal Pettus
September 10, 2011
Our prayers are with the Punches family. We will remember Jack always. God Bless
Jenny Mathias(Sokolis)
September 10, 2011
Thank you for all that you did for our country.
Jonathan Bortz
September 10, 2011
In the recent 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride that goes thru 6 states over 3 days, I had the privilege of representing Jack personally and I rode in honor of him. Each of the almost 3,000 registrants were given a name of a 9/11 victim to represent. My prayers were with him and I felt his presence.
jerry dowell
September 10, 2011
Remembering Capt. Jack Punches for his service for our country. I herd a lot of things about him but nevr met him but will always remeber what u did for our country.
jacqueline green(calvert)
September 10, 2011
remembering jack i didnt know him personally but my dad is jim calvert he did know him i was born and raised in tower hill and know all about jack and it is sad that he is no longer with us but he will be remembered for every thing he did
Laura Hall Cox
September 10, 2011
Remembering Jack for all his did for his country...proudly remembered by Tower Hill and the Tower Hill High School Alumni Association
Sandra (Kelly) Justice
September 10, 2011
Remembering and thanking you for your service and praying for your family and those you left behind. May we never forget!
Bebee Shemenski
September 10, 2011
May your family and friends be blessed with peace and comfort. We will never forget your bravery and honor.
Pat (Emery) Kime
September 9, 2011
Remembering you and all you did for our great country.
Judy (Dowell) West
September 9, 2011
Thoughts & prayers to Janice and all of Jack's family.
Nancy Campbell-Hanks
September 9, 2011
Remembering you on this 10th anniversary.
Marvin Allen
September 9, 2011
Janice and family. I sit on Jack's bench at the Pentagon every Memorial Day weekend. I have gone there every year as a Rolling Thunder escort for a Gold Star Mother. We lost our nephew in Iraq in 2004 and Nancy's sister has been president of the Gold Star Mothers. I miss Jack so much. He was one of the finest officers, and more importantly, finest human beings I ever served with. I still remember our squadron camp outs with you, Jack, and the kids in Special Projects in Brunswick. All of us still here talk about Jack a lot. I would love to visit his grave site if you can share where that is with me. You lost a great one! God bless you all.
Regards,
Marvin Allen CPO/USN AW/NAC Ret.
Hallowell, Maine
Charles Kent
May 13, 2011
THEIR TIME PASSED
Oh let me say to those who served
I am thankful you received accolades you deserved
We must always keep alive your faithfulness to us
Many will say they were protecting our trust
Only in AMERICA can it be true
We must give our all to the red, white, and blue
When Christ returns, He will claim you soon
So proudly for his kingdom coming with a trumpet boom
Many have gone on before offering what they could
Never to give in to what the enemy thinks they should
Always offering comfort in times of war and peace
Members of our uniformed services offer more than we can lease
The cost of freedom is not free
But given from the hearts of many who want to go see
They dedicated their lives to each other and family most of all
So that their children can have the ability to freely visit the wall
Monuments are built to remember the brave who sacrifice
The Names and The Conflicts served are what show some of the price
So let it be said we‘re here to offer a memorial to all
When their time came seeking God’s Kingdom call
Let us always remember how you were faithful and true
Giving your all to the red, white, and blue
Dan Henderson
May 10, 2011
I hope someone could help me. My name is Dan Henderson and I served under Capt. Punches at VR-24. I have the holiday flag from VR and it has been hanging at my place of business ever since I learned of Capt. Punches death on 9/11. Now that Osama has been brought to justice, I think it is time for the flag to come home. I would like Jancie to have it. If you have any information on how I can find her, please e-mail me at [email protected]
Phillip Cook
May 2, 2011
For Jack and all those who perished on 9/11, your day of vengeance is at hand. Rest in peace.
April 17, 2011
Just wanted to say Happy 60th Jack. Wish you were here to celebrate your Birthday.
Love ya and Miss ya Wanda Koons
Connie Stansell
November 11, 2010
Today is Veteran's Day and every year on these days where we honor our service members; Jack Punches is always someone I remember. He was CO of VR-24 during Mark's first tour as a JO and a great role model for him. Janice, you were an inspiration to all of us "new" wives with your never ending show of strength and support. Our time spent with you was wonderful and his leadership was never forgotten. His sacrifice will never be forgotten either. It is not uncommon to read that everyone loved him because they did. I will always remember Jack and I have yet to hear a rendition of "Pretty Woman" quite as great as his!
Donn LeVally
October 8, 2010
CDR Punches was my one of my OINCs when I was at NAMTRAGRUDET as an AXC from 1986 to 1990. I still tell people that he was one of the nicest officers that I ever worked for, and that he got me started playing golf on the intramural team. The world lost a very nice person.
ATCS LeVally, USN Retired
Steve Maas
October 5, 2010
Dear Janice: I think about Jack often. He was a classmate and friend at the War College, and our offices were close to each other during my two tours in the Pentagon in the 1990's. Our daughter is the same age as Jennifer, and Jack and I used to share stories about the amount of stuff kids--especially girls--take to college with them. I spoke of Jack this morning at a local high school when asked about patriotism, sacrifice and family. I miss Jack and his smile, and I will never forget him.
Steve Maas
RADM, SC, USN (ret.)
Teresa Yamber
September 12, 2010
Dear Janice and family,
Although I only got to know Jack for a short time he made you feel like you had known him forever.I'm very blessed that I got to become part of the Punches family when Jeremy became my son-in-law. I have gotten to hear so many wonderful memories of Jack and his family. Jeremy your dad would be proud of you and Holly for the beautful grandson you gave him.I know
you will be a wonderful husband to holly and a great dad to Jackson for that was the way your dad was.Having hearing all of the memories of your dad you are alot like your dad.
Buster & Pam Brown
September 12, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Punches Family today! I reflect back on all the happy times our familes had together and cherish those memories, they are so special to us. We love you guys!
Kathie Cravens
September 11, 2010
I am a friend of Phil Cook's and I know how deeply he still hurts over the loss of Capt. Punches. My deepest sympathy to Phil and the family. My he always live on in your hearts.
September 11, 2010
Jack,
You gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of your family and friends forever. Be proud of your family, the way they have perserved and all they have accomplished these last 9 years.
Continue to watch over your grandson and granddaughter, you are their special guardian angel. Your memory will live on thru them.
To Janice,Jenn, Mike, Maddie, Jeremy, Holly, Jackson prayers and hugs to you all today.
God Bless you all.
Jeffrey Stuart
September 11, 2010
Still miss you, CAPT.
KEITH SEALE
September 11, 2010
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Bill & Darlene Chesterman
September 11, 2010
To the Punches Family,
God bless your family. The 9-11-01 victims are on many peoples' minds today. May God comfort all of you.
Anna McNeely
September 11, 2010
Jack will always hold a special place in my heart. We grew up in Tower Hill together. My thoughts are with the family, God Bless always Anna McNeely
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