WILLIAMSBURG - John H. Gale Jr. (Jack), 83, of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away after a lengthy battle with dementia on January 3, 2014. Jack was born on July 23,1930 to John and Mary Gale. He grew up in Richmond and attended John Marshall High School and then went on to obtain his bachelors degree from the University of Richmond. He married the love of his live, Jeanne Iris Binns, in 1952 and remainded devoted to her until the day he died. Jacks second love was flying. He joined the Air Force shortly after being married and became a fighter pilot where he flew numerous jet aircraft over the next 28 years. During this time, he distinguished himself as an outstanding pilot receiving numerous medals and awards as well as serving two tours during the Viet Nam war where he became a member of the River Rats which required a pilot to fly at least 100 missions over North Viet Nam. When Jack's career in the Air Force came to an end, he moved to Southern California where he went to work for Northrop for the next 10 years and then retired to Williamsburg in 1991. Jack lived life to its fullest and was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a great friend to the people that knew him. He led his sons and the people that worked for him by the example he set each day of honor, integrity, and hard work. He is survived by his wife Jeanne, his sons Steven and Michael, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren who all loved him very much. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 11th, at 2 p.m., in the United Methodist Church of Williamsburg on Jamestown Road.
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We're always saddened to see the passing of a GALE family member. We didn't know Jack, but he is a 4th cousin of my wife, who is a GALE descended from the Isle of Wight County, Virginia GALE family. Please contact us at your convenlience. Our sympathy during these difficult times.
Billie Sue Gale & John Hale
Williamsburg, VA
757-253-6964
[email protected]
January 18, 2014
What a wonderful man. We will always treasure our times with him and especially our trip to Williamsburg. Jack was a fabulous host and delighted our daughters with the spinning squirrel feeder. Our hearts are with the Gale family during this sad time.
Jennifer Buckner
January 7, 2014
To the Family of Jack Gale,
Please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss. I only met with Jack a few times when he was in town visiting with Steven and Kathryn, but I remember him well. It was evident he was a very happy, vibrant man, was loved tremendously by his family, and from the stories I was told he lived life to the fullest. What a wonderful life he had on this earth. I know he will be missed terribly until you meet with him again, but memories are powerful and help heal the heart. Our hope and prayer is in time your memories of Jack will lead you to a place of comfort and peace.
Marilyn Dickerson and Family
The Dickerson Family
January 6, 2014
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