John James McCambridge

Colonel John James "Jack" McCambridge, United States Air Force (Retired), died peacefully at home on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at the age of 91. A resident of Northern Virginia and a decorated military officer, engineer, and devoted family man, he is now reunited with his beloved wife of 63 years, Dorothy Antionette "Toni" McCambridge, who preceded him in death in 2015. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Col. McCambridge was a Distinguished Military Graduate of ROTC at Manhattan College, where he earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force in 1955. (Fortunately, he did not receive his first assignment until he witnessed the Brooklyn Dodgers finally win the World Series). He later received a Master of Science in Radiological Health Physics from Vanderbilt University and a Ph.D. in Engineering Biotechnology and Management from UCLA. Over a distinguished 24-year military career, Col. McCambridge held assignments in the Strategic Air Command, on the Air Staff, and within the Office of the Secretary of Defense. His roles included Military Assistant to the Deputy Director of Defense Research & Engineering, DOD Representative to the Physics Survey Committee of the National Academy of Sciences, and Secretary of the DOD-NASA Supporting Research & Technology Coordinating Committee. The project he was most proud of was the development of the ACES II Ejection Seat which is still used today. He also served on several NATO and international defense committees and chaired the NATO Air Subcommittee on Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense. His service was recognized with numerous honors, including multiple awards of the Legion of Merit. Following his retirement from active duty, Col. McCambridge continued to make significant contributions to science, engineering, and public service. He served as a Principal and Director at Booz Allen Hamilton, working with Fortune 500 companies, the U.S. Department of Energy, and EPA's Superfund Program. He led engineering and environmental projects as Vice President for a national firm and worked as an independent consultant on cogeneration power plants across the United States and Mexico. A nationally recognized expert in hazardous materials and environmental management, Col. McCambridge was a Founding Director and Chairman of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management, President of the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards, and held leadership roles in several other scientific and military organizations. He was a Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association and was listed in multiple editions and variations of Who's Who. Jack served on the Board of Directors for the Air Force Retired Officers Community (AFROC) and helped establish Falcon's Landing. He served on the Board of Trustees for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Society. He served twice as President for Black Tie Club, was a past President of The Washington Assembly. A long-time sponsor of Washington Debutant Cotillion. A member of the former Fairfax Hunt and the Knights of Columbus. Known for his warm spirit and Irish tenor voice, Jack delighted family and friends with annual performances of "Danny Boy" at Saint Patrick's Day gatherings held in celebration of his and Toni's anniversary. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he especially cherished family trips and cruises shared with his children and grandchildren. Jack is survived by his four children: Sharon (Chris) Flaesch, John (Catherine) McCambridge, Patrick (Jenny) McCambridge, and Kathleen (Robert) Kingsley; and eleven grandchildren: Keaton (Thomas), Delaney (Keith), Patrick Jr., Cullen, Ashleigh, Ian, Jaden, Jonah, James, Morgan, and Ryan. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Friday, June 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Avenue, Vienna, VA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 7, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA. At a date TBD, services will be held at Fort Myer Old Post Chapel, then the Interment with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. A reception will follow. Please sign the Guestbook at www.legacy.com/washingtontimes