JOHN WILLIAM "Jack" VESSEY JR.

FUNERAL HOME

Bradshaw Funeral Home - White Bear - North Suburbs

4600 Greenhaven Drive

White Bear, Minnesota

JOHN VESSEY Obituary

Name: Visitation for JOHN WILLIAM "Jack" VESSEY JR.
Start: 2016-08-31T17:00:00.000Z
Location: FORT SNELLING MEMORIAL CHAPEL

JOHN WILLIAM VESSEY, JR. "Jack"
Born June 29, 1922, a retired Army general who was the nation''s top military officer as the tenth chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1982 to 1985, died on Thursday, August 18, 2016 in North Oaks, Minnesota at the age of 94. His beloved wife of 69 years, Avis C. Vessey, preceded him in death in 2015. He is survived by his sister, Patricia Vessey of Minneapolis; children, John William Vessey III (Alida), Sarah Ann Vessey and David Christopher Vessey (Donna); grandchildren, Andrea Novack (Dan), John William Vessey IV, Samuel Vessey Krawczyk and Evan Vessey Krawczyk; great-grandchildren, Callen and Aiden Novack. Funeral services will be held a 1 p.m., on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at the FORT SNELLING MEMORIAL CHAPEL, Hwys 5 and 55, Fort Snelling, Minnesota with visitation one hour prior to the service. Internment Thursday, September 1, 2016, 1 p.m., at the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery (Camp Ripley), 15550 Hwy 115, Little Falls, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the John and Avis Vessey Scholarship at Concordia University, St. Paul (www.csp.edu) or the National Military Families Association (www.militaryfamily.org). Gen. John "Jack" Vessey was a long time resident of Little Whitefish Lake, Garrison, Minnesota and North Oaks, Minnesota.Bradshaw Funeral, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear, Minnesota, (651)-4907-8300.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Aug. 24 to Aug. 26, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN VESSEY

10 Entries

Wayne rich

August 18, 2022

He changed my life from the first time I met him and briefed him at Camp Page, Korea. I was a SSG, he later wrote me a letter of recommendation for Warrant Officer. I met him again while stationed as a new WO1 at Fort Huachuca, AZ, he saw me across a room filled with the post's officers there to welcome his visit. He by-passed all the brass to come talk with me meet my wife and congratulate me on becoming a Warrant Officer stunning all in attendance. Yes he was/is a soldiers' soldier a great man that I hope to meet again. Thank you sir!

Frank angelo

August 18, 2021

I miss you every day Boss and I will continue to miss you until I am again under your command in heaven.

James K Peters

August 18, 2021

Hard to believe it has been 5 years. Still think of this GREAT Soldier and FRIEND a lot. When I think of General Vessey I think of him like other do of General Bradley "A Soldiers Soldier" - General Vessey took care of his men ALWAYS! Still missed -- Pete

Bruce Grant

August 31, 2016

Audrey and I offer heart-felt condolences to the Vessey family at this difficult time.

I interpreted for General Vessey many times during his posting as commander of U.S. and U.N. forces in Korea. Interpreting, perforce, opens a door to a man's soul. And I never encountered a soul steeped in more integrity.

If I had a concern, it was that the General's homespun humor was not going to cross the cultural barrier into Korean, and that was the precise purpose of his bonhomie, to guide his tens of thousands of Korean Army officers and soldiers to places he knew they needed to be.

Sometimes our interpreting sessions were of major importance, such as on restraining pobok, or retaliation.

And sometimes the issues were much more pedestrian. We had six children and one month we exceeded the mayonnaise ration and got into trouble. Avis threw a baby shower for my wife, and asked all the attendees to bring a bottle of mayonnaise, neatly resolving the issue.

I worked for a half dozen CINCs, I've been singing the general's praises all these years, and see no reason to stop.

Bruce and Audrey Grant
Department of the Army Civilian Employee (Ret)

Linda and Glynn Mallory LTG, USA, Ret

August 30, 2016

The fact that General Vessey was a great Patriot, Soldier, and Statesman is well known. But he was so much more! A mentor and coach to so many of us, his quiet demeanor was an example for all. He led by example; tolerant, patient, and understanding, he gently shoved us toward the correct solutions. Humble and kind, he and Avis willingly shared themselves with subordinates never being aloof nor condescending. I don't recall one time that he ever sought recognition for himself as his orientation was always on the mission, soldiers, organization, and the Army. This wonderful Leader never forgot his roots and honored his commitment to take Avis back to Minnesota. Few will ever achieve what he has; our Nation has lost a giant. We are honored to have served with him and extend our deepest sympathy to the entire Vessey family. May God Rest His Soul.

August 29, 2016

I first met General Vessey when he was Commander US Forces Korea. I was introduced to him by my 1SG Jerry P. Hurley who severed with the General in Vietnam when the General was a young officer. When I applied for Warrant Officer, General Vessey as Vice Chief of Staff of the Army wrote an endorsement letter for me to the Warrant Officer board, the rest is history.
While attending the retirement ceremony at the Pentagon a few years ago for my friend Frank Angelo I was talking with General Pace (many of the former Chairman's were in attendance for Franks retirement) I was telling him about the General writing the endorsement letter for me, a young Colonel over heard the conversation and interrupted by saying "it was probably a form letter signed by a machine or a secretary". Well one other individual also overheard the conversation, General Vessey. He responded with "if it had my signature on it, I signed it"! The young Colonel quickly departed. I will never forget the General, and the positive impact that he had on me and my family. We have lost a Great American, a fearless warrior, a true patriot and a friend.
MaeCha and Wayne Rich, CW3, USA, Ret

August 25, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope Jer. 29: 11,12 brings you comfort during this difficult time.

August 24, 2016

From the Officers and Members of the Air America Association, our sympathy and respect. L.Michael Kandt, General Secretary/chaplain.

Camp Ripley, MN 2007

Jim Dike

August 23, 2016

The Vessey Family,
May you find peace in your Father's passing. My Father, who passed away in 2011, served with the General in the 34th Division during WWII. They last saw each other in 2007 at Camp Ripley, MN where I was honored to meet General Vessey. Please take comfort that your Father's life, truly has made the world a better place.

James & Joy Peters

August 21, 2016

I will never forget General Vessey, call sign "JWV" or his wife Avis. Both first class folks. I had the pleasure of supporting General Vessey both when in the Army and after leaving the service. Always a great person. General Vessey was a "SOLDIERS SOLDIER". My final salute to "JWV" a great husband, a great man and a super soldier. "SALUTE"

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results