John Vincent "Jack" Bozarth

John "Jack" Vincent Bozarth, 79, of Columbia, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Friday, May 17, 2024.
Jack Bozarth was the big man on campus, a highly decorated Air Force pilot, and always had a smile on his face. And, without question, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend.
Born in Kansas City, MO, on September 12, 1944, to parents Fred and Virginia Bozarth, Jack would grow up in Raytown with older brother Phil and younger brother Jimmy. He enjoyed spending time with extended family in nearby Warrensburg and attained the honor of Eagle Scout.
At Raytown High School, Jack played varsity football and basketball. With the help of close friend Doug Hall's guidance, Jack was elected Student Council President of Raytown High School. Jack would later attend Central Missouri State, where he played on the freshman basketball team and would be elected Student Government Association President.
Pursuing his dream of flying, Jack enlisted in the Missouri National Guard, where he would ultimately be deployed to the Vietnam War. Stationed in Guam, Jack flew the B-52 on numerous bombing missions. After the war, while flying for Frontier Airlines, Jack met a stewardess at Frontier by the name of Ann Freese. The two would get married on January 2, 1981, and despite core philosophical differences in being on time and not calling in to talk radio shows, stayed happily married the whole way.
After flying commercial, Jack would go on to be stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska, where he continued flying in addition to handling public affairs for the base. Jack rounded out his academic career with a Master's in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. His last duty station was at the 168th Squadron at Eielson AFB, where together with friend Col. Doug Clinton, the two grew the 168th.
After retiring from the military at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Jack would end his aviation career flying private for NetJets. He then went on to work as the Development Director for the Cancer Research Center until his retirement in 2019.
Jack was a proud member of The Freemasons, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Daedalians, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Elks Lodge.
Jack is survived by his wife, Ann Freese Bozarth; his children, Ray Bozarth (Kayley), Jeb Bozarth (Erica), and Emilie Bozarth; his brother, Phil Bozarth (Penny); seven grandchildren and eight nieces and nephews. To know Jack was to love Jack. He lived a great and honorable life and will be tremendously missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Virginia, and his brother, James (Jimmy).
Memorials may be made to Missouri Girls Town, 8548 Jade Road, Kingdom City, MO, 65262.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 E. Ash St., Columbia, MO 65203, 573-449-4153. Condolences can be made to the family at www.parkermillard.com.