JOHN JAMES MCCULLOUGH Jr.

October 10, 1927 - April 24, 2010

Jack McCullough was born October 10, 1927 in Hollister, CA to his parents John James McCullough and Leona Mary Rogan. He passed away on April 24, 2010 at Doctor's Hospital in Modesto, CA, after a valiant battle with Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome as a complication of heart bypass surgery despite the expert and loving hospital care he received.

Jack grew up on the family ranch in Madrone, CA and attended High School in nearby Morgan Hill. He served in the US Navy, from October 1944 to October 1948, as an Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class (air crewman / radioman / turret gunner / bombardier) flying in Grumman TBF / TBM Avenger Torpedo Bombers aboard the USS Boxer and USS Shangri-La, with the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. He and his other crew members were rescued by one of the first carrier based helicopters after losing power shortly after the TBM he was in took off and cleared the carrier deck. In his words to his family years later, "the engine just quit".

Jack learned to fly in an Aeronca 7AC "Champ" at Hollister Airport where he received his Private Pilot's license shortly after his service in the Navy, later obtaining his commercial, instrument, and twin engine ratings and also certification as a ground school instructor. He purchased and rebuilt a "Champ" in the late 1960's which he flew for the rest of his life to within a few months of his death. His wife and sons shared his love of flying which contributed to their strong family bond.

Jack met his future wife (Gail Flanagan) while attending San Jose State College. The two graduated in 1955 and one month later were married at the Flanagan home at Red Top Ranch located south of Merced near the Merced / Madera County line.

Jack managed Red Top Ranch for his father-in-law Ray Flanagan for 25 years. He later worked as a Real Estate Appraiser with the Merced County Assessor's Office and was certified with the designation as a Senior Residential Appraiser by the Society of Real Estate Appraisers and an SRA Member by the Appraisal Institute in 1989 and was licensed as a "Certified General Real Estate Appraiser" by the State of California. He worked as an Appraiser for his friend Dwight Ewing at Ewing Associates for a short time before his final occupation as Owner / Broker of J.J. McCullough Realty in Merced.

Jack was a Past President of the Merced Pilots Association, Chairman of the 1964 Merced Antique Fly-in and a long time member of the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).

Jack was preceded in death by his parents John James McCullough and Leona Mary Rogan, his Aunt Kathryn Rogan, sister Jean Pruitt, father and mother-in-law Ray and Margorie Flanagan and nephews Jett Kerby, John Harrell, and Steve Harrell.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife Gail Flanagan McCullough, twin sons John III and Patrick, brother-in-law Jim Pruitt, niece Nancy Pruitt, sister's-in-law Patricia Harrell and Sheila Drake, and nephew David Harrell.

Jack's final wishes were for no formal ceremonies or flowers, however he was in concurrence with a "Hangar Gathering" as a way to celebrate life and his great love of flying. The celebration of life will take place Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Merced Municipal Airport. Attendees may enter at the east gate entrance located at the intersection of Eagle Street and Condor Way just west of "V" Street / West Avenue. Anyone wishing to make contributions may choose Castle Air Museum, Hospice, or the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).