EDWARD JOHN "JACK" KINNEY
Oct. 31, 1923 - July 4, 2017
Jack Kinney, a long time Coronado resident died peacefully at home in the arms of his wife Patricia on July 4, 2017, at the age of 93. He was one of the few surviving veterans of the greatest generation – a veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Jack was born in Phoenix and his mother and brothers subsequently moved to San Diego when he was three years old. By age six he was an entrepreneur, selling papers on the streets of San Diego!
Jack entered the United States Army Air Corps in 1943 as an aviation cadet. He received a BS in engineering from Creighton University, Omaha, NB when he entered the cadet program. Jack initially wanted to join the Navy; however when checking with the recruiter he discovered that the Navy would only offer him an enlisted rank so he sought out the Army Air Corps recruiter who promised him a pilot slot. He served in the Asia Pacific theater of operations as a member of the 85th Fighter Wing of 13th Air Force as an aircraft maintenance officer and pilot during which time he flew the P-38, P-40 and P-51 fighters, as well as the B-25 bomber and C-47 transport. By the time he left the service, Jack had also flown P-80, T-33, F-86, F-100, F-102, F-106 and F-4.
Jack was released from the Air Force in late 1947 but when the USAF came to the realization that they had released too many pilots he was subsequently recalled to active duty. In 1948, he was sent to Ladd Field in Fairbanks, Alaska for a year, then was assigned to a search and rescue squadron at Eielson Air Force Base 26 miles south of Fairbanks, a place with one of the worst climates in the world. He recalled that once the temperature never rose above -50° for over a month. He built his own house there in one brief summer.
During the Korean War, Jack had the opportunity to demonstrate his talents as a diplomat. Japan, once a bitter enemy, had become a valued ally, and Jack was there to help them adapt to the age of jet powered fighter’s like the F-84 and F-86. Jack was able to maintain a successful working relationship with Japanese General Minoru Genda, the man who once planned and led the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He even learned to speak some Japanese.
In 1954 Jack was a member of the team that took F-86 aircraft on a tour of Central and South American countries (Wings Over America). He was also a member of the Bendix trophy team from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada during that time. In the early 1960s, as the Vietnam War was heating up, Jack again displayed his talents as a diplomat when he worked with the Spanish Air Force. Subsequently, Jack was commander of the 84th Fighter Squadron at Hamilton Air Force Base, California.
In the late 1960s, Jack was assigned to the Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base as a senior member of an Airborne Command and Control Aircraft with call sign “Moonbeam.” His final assignment was with the 24th air division, a part of the North American air Defense Command.
Jack was a Command Pilot and his awards included: The Legion of Merit, Air Medal, Airman’s Medal, Bronze Star w/V, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal w/1OLC, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/1 Battle Star, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Battle Stars, Air Force Longevity Service Award w/1 Silver OLC, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Upon leaving the Air Force Jack and his family returned to Coronado and moved into the Coronado Cays. Jack was a strong supporter of his community having served on the Coronado Cays Homeowners Board of Directors and assumed Coronado Cays management for a year to resolve some questionable financial dealings. He was a realtor and a member of Rotary.
Jack is survived by his wife Patricia; his daughters Patricia C Alfaro, Maureen Lane and Sherry Jakubowski; his sons Edward S. Kinney, Tony Cothron and Mark S. Smith; his grandsons John E. Metz, Sean Kinney, his granddaughter Lora Fly; his nephew Brad Coath and his nieces Jacqueline Preusse, Janice Simpson and Kathleen Kinney. In addition Jack has eight great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers please make a contribution in his name to St Jude’s Hospital.
Jack’s ashes will be interred at Rosecrans National Cemetery where he will join his first wife Patricia Coath Kinney.
Coronado Eagle & Journal
Monday, August 7, 2017
Oct. 31, 1923 - July 4, 2017
Jack Kinney, a long time Coronado resident died peacefully at home in the arms of his wife Patricia on July 4, 2017, at the age of 93. He was one of the few surviving veterans of the greatest generation – a veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Jack was born in Phoenix and his mother and brothers subsequently moved to San Diego when he was three years old. By age six he was an entrepreneur, selling papers on the streets of San Diego!
Jack entered the United States Army Air Corps in 1943 as an aviation cadet. He received a BS in engineering from Creighton University, Omaha, NB when he entered the cadet program. Jack initially wanted to join the Navy; however when checking with the recruiter he discovered that the Navy would only offer him an enlisted rank so he sought out the Army Air Corps recruiter who promised him a pilot slot. He served in the Asia Pacific theater of operations as a member of the 85th Fighter Wing of 13th Air Force as an aircraft maintenance officer and pilot during which time he flew the P-38, P-40 and P-51 fighters, as well as the B-25 bomber and C-47 transport. By the time he left the service, Jack had also flown P-80, T-33, F-86, F-100, F-102, F-106 and F-4.
Jack was released from the Air Force in late 1947 but when the USAF came to the realization that they had released too many pilots he was subsequently recalled to active duty. In 1948, he was sent to Ladd Field in Fairbanks, Alaska for a year, then was assigned to a search and rescue squadron at Eielson Air Force Base 26 miles south of Fairbanks, a place with one of the worst climates in the world. He recalled that once the temperature never rose above -50° for over a month. He built his own house there in one brief summer.
During the Korean War, Jack had the opportunity to demonstrate his talents as a diplomat. Japan, once a bitter enemy, had become a valued ally, and Jack was there to help them adapt to the age of jet powered fighter’s like the F-84 and F-86. Jack was able to maintain a successful working relationship with Japanese General Minoru Genda, the man who once planned and led the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He even learned to speak some Japanese.
In 1954 Jack was a member of the team that took F-86 aircraft on a tour of Central and South American countries (Wings Over America). He was also a member of the Bendix trophy team from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada during that time. In the early 1960s, as the Vietnam War was heating up, Jack again displayed his talents as a diplomat when he worked with the Spanish Air Force. Subsequently, Jack was commander of the 84th Fighter Squadron at Hamilton Air Force Base, California.
In the late 1960s, Jack was assigned to the Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base as a senior member of an Airborne Command and Control Aircraft with call sign “Moonbeam.” His final assignment was with the 24th air division, a part of the North American air Defense Command.
Jack was a Command Pilot and his awards included: The Legion of Merit, Air Medal, Airman’s Medal, Bronze Star w/V, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal w/1OLC, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/1 Battle Star, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Battle Stars, Air Force Longevity Service Award w/1 Silver OLC, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Upon leaving the Air Force Jack and his family returned to Coronado and moved into the Coronado Cays. Jack was a strong supporter of his community having served on the Coronado Cays Homeowners Board of Directors and assumed Coronado Cays management for a year to resolve some questionable financial dealings. He was a realtor and a member of Rotary.
Jack is survived by his wife Patricia; his daughters Patricia C Alfaro, Maureen Lane and Sherry Jakubowski; his sons Edward S. Kinney, Tony Cothron and Mark S. Smith; his grandsons John E. Metz, Sean Kinney, his granddaughter Lora Fly; his nephew Brad Coath and his nieces Jacqueline Preusse, Janice Simpson and Kathleen Kinney. In addition Jack has eight great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers please make a contribution in his name to St Jude’s Hospital.
Jack’s ashes will be interred at Rosecrans National Cemetery where he will join his first wife Patricia Coath Kinney.
Coronado Eagle & Journal
Monday, August 7, 2017
EDWARD JOHN "JACK" KINNEY
Oct. 31, 1923 - July 4, 2017
Jack Kinney, a long time Coronado resident died peacefully at home in the arms of his wife Patricia on July 4, 2017, at the age of 93. He was one of the few surviving veterans of the greatest generation – a veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Jack was born in Phoenix and his mother and brothers subsequently moved to San Diego when he was three years old. By age six he was an entrepreneur, selling papers on the streets of San Diego!
Jack entered the United States Army Air Corps in 1943 as an aviation cadet. He received a BS in engineering from Creighton University, Omaha, NB when he entered the cadet program. Jack initially wanted to join the Navy; however when checking with the recruiter he discovered that the Navy would only offer him an enlisted rank so he sought out the Army Air Corps recruiter who promised him a pilot slot. He served in the Asia Pacific theater of operations as a member of the 85th Fighter Wing of 13th Air Force as an aircraft maintenance officer and pilot during which time he flew the P-38, P-40 and P-51 fighters, as well as the B-25 bomber and C-47 transport. By the time he left the service, Jack had also flown P-80, T-33, F-86, F-100, F-102, F-106 and F-4.
Jack was released from the Air Force in late 1947 but when the USAF came to the realization that they had released too many pilots he was subsequently recalled to active duty. In 1948, he was sent to Ladd Field in Fairbanks, Alaska for a year, then was assigned to a search and rescue squadron at Eielson Air Force Base 26 miles south of Fairbanks, a place with one of the worst climates in the world. He recalled that once the temperature never rose above -50° for over a month. He built his own house there in one brief summer.
During the Korean War, Jack had the opportunity to demonstrate his talents as a diplomat. Japan, once a bitter enemy, had become a valued ally, and Jack was there to help them adapt to the age of jet powered fighter’s like the F-84 and F-86. Jack was able to maintain a successful working relationship with Japanese General Minoru Genda, the man who once planned and led the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He even learned to speak some Japanese.
In 1954 Jack was a member of the team that took F-86 aircraft on a tour of Central and South American countries (Wings Over America). He was also a member of the Bendix trophy team from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada during that time. In the early 1960s, as the Vietnam War was heating up, Jack again displayed his talents as a diplomat when he worked with the Spanish Air Force. Subsequently, Jack was commander of the 84th Fighter Squadron at Hamilton Air Force Base, California.
In the late 1960s, Jack was assigned to the Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base as a senior member of an Airborne Command and Control Aircraft with call sign “Moonbeam.” His final assignment was with the 24th air division, a part of the North American air Defense Command.
Jack was a Command Pilot and his awards included: The Legion of Merit, Air Medal, Airman’s Medal, Bronze Star w/V, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal w/1OLC, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/1 Battle Star, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Battle Stars, Air Force Longevity Service Award w/1 Silver OLC, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Upon leaving the Air Force Jack and his family returned to Coronado and moved into the Coronado Cays. Jack was a strong supporter of his community having served on the Coronado Cays Homeowners Board of Directors and assumed Coronado Cays management for a year to resolve some questionable financial dealings. He was a realtor and a member of Rotary.
Jack is survived by his wife Patricia; his daughters Patricia C Alfaro, Maureen Lane and Sherry Jakubowski; his sons Edward S. Kinney, Tony Cothron and Mark S. Smith; his grandsons John E. Metz, Sean Kinney, his granddaughter Lora Fly; his nephew Brad Coath and his nieces Jacqueline Preusse, Janice Simpson and Kathleen Kinney. In addition Jack has eight great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers please make a contribution in his name to St Jude’s Hospital.
Jack’s ashes will be interred at Rosecrans National Cemetery where he will join his first wife Patricia Coath Kinney.
Coronado Eagle & Journal
Monday, August 7, 2017
Oct. 31, 1923 - July 4, 2017
Jack Kinney, a long time Coronado resident died peacefully at home in the arms of his wife Patricia on July 4, 2017, at the age of 93. He was one of the few surviving veterans of the greatest generation – a veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Jack was born in Phoenix and his mother and brothers subsequently moved to San Diego when he was three years old. By age six he was an entrepreneur, selling papers on the streets of San Diego!
Jack entered the United States Army Air Corps in 1943 as an aviation cadet. He received a BS in engineering from Creighton University, Omaha, NB when he entered the cadet program. Jack initially wanted to join the Navy; however when checking with the recruiter he discovered that the Navy would only offer him an enlisted rank so he sought out the Army Air Corps recruiter who promised him a pilot slot. He served in the Asia Pacific theater of operations as a member of the 85th Fighter Wing of 13th Air Force as an aircraft maintenance officer and pilot during which time he flew the P-38, P-40 and P-51 fighters, as well as the B-25 bomber and C-47 transport. By the time he left the service, Jack had also flown P-80, T-33, F-86, F-100, F-102, F-106 and F-4.
Jack was released from the Air Force in late 1947 but when the USAF came to the realization that they had released too many pilots he was subsequently recalled to active duty. In 1948, he was sent to Ladd Field in Fairbanks, Alaska for a year, then was assigned to a search and rescue squadron at Eielson Air Force Base 26 miles south of Fairbanks, a place with one of the worst climates in the world. He recalled that once the temperature never rose above -50° for over a month. He built his own house there in one brief summer.
During the Korean War, Jack had the opportunity to demonstrate his talents as a diplomat. Japan, once a bitter enemy, had become a valued ally, and Jack was there to help them adapt to the age of jet powered fighter’s like the F-84 and F-86. Jack was able to maintain a successful working relationship with Japanese General Minoru Genda, the man who once planned and led the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He even learned to speak some Japanese.
In 1954 Jack was a member of the team that took F-86 aircraft on a tour of Central and South American countries (Wings Over America). He was also a member of the Bendix trophy team from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada during that time. In the early 1960s, as the Vietnam War was heating up, Jack again displayed his talents as a diplomat when he worked with the Spanish Air Force. Subsequently, Jack was commander of the 84th Fighter Squadron at Hamilton Air Force Base, California.
In the late 1960s, Jack was assigned to the Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base as a senior member of an Airborne Command and Control Aircraft with call sign “Moonbeam.” His final assignment was with the 24th air division, a part of the North American air Defense Command.
Jack was a Command Pilot and his awards included: The Legion of Merit, Air Medal, Airman’s Medal, Bronze Star w/V, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal w/1OLC, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/1 Battle Star, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Battle Stars, Air Force Longevity Service Award w/1 Silver OLC, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Upon leaving the Air Force Jack and his family returned to Coronado and moved into the Coronado Cays. Jack was a strong supporter of his community having served on the Coronado Cays Homeowners Board of Directors and assumed Coronado Cays management for a year to resolve some questionable financial dealings. He was a realtor and a member of Rotary.
Jack is survived by his wife Patricia; his daughters Patricia C Alfaro, Maureen Lane and Sherry Jakubowski; his sons Edward S. Kinney, Tony Cothron and Mark S. Smith; his grandsons John E. Metz, Sean Kinney, his granddaughter Lora Fly; his nephew Brad Coath and his nieces Jacqueline Preusse, Janice Simpson and Kathleen Kinney. In addition Jack has eight great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers please make a contribution in his name to St Jude’s Hospital.
Jack’s ashes will be interred at Rosecrans National Cemetery where he will join his first wife Patricia Coath Kinney.
Coronado Eagle & Journal
Monday, August 7, 2017
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