CDR Jack Kenton Stice, USCG (Ret.), Coast Guard Aviator #1234, under clear skies and beautiful sunrise, at the age of 83, made his final take-off on March 29, 2023.
Jack was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on September 23, 1939, to Artie and Lillian Stice. His early years were spent growing up in Tulsa where he became a talented baseball player, and later moved to Tampa, Florida, where he graduated from Hillsborough High School.
Jack enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1956 and honorably served 4 years obtaining the rank of Petty Officer Second Class (E-5). He served diligently at several units including, Cape San Blas LORAN Station, Port St. Joe, FL; USCGC Eastwind, Boston, MA; Cape Christian LORAN Station, Artic Circle, Baffin Island, Canada, and USCGC Nemesis, ST. Petersburg, FL. Jack was selected for Officer Candidate School followed by Naval Flight School in Pensacola, FL, earning his wings in 1967. Jack served at CG Air Station St. Petersburg, FL, and CG Air Station Astoria, OR, before volunteering in 1971 to serve as one of eleven USCG helicopter pilots with the U.S. Air Force 37th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron, Danang, Vietnam. He returned stateside to duties as a Flight Safety Officer at CG Air Station San Diego, CA, and CG Air Station Clearwater, FL, piloting both the HH-3F and HC-130. He was widely respected for his astute airmanship and unwavering leadership, both in the cockpit and in the wardroom. CDR Stice retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 1983. His accomplishments earned him special recognition in the form of medals and awards, among which are:
Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters (6 Air Medals), Presidential Unit Citation with Bronze Star, Navy Combat Action Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, CG Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon (3), CG Unit Commendation Ribbon (3), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Expert Rifle and Pistol Medals, Commandant Letter of Commendation Ribbon
Over the next 16 years, Jack flew all around the globe as he continued his aviation career flying B-727, DC-9, MD-80 and DC-10 aircraft for Continental Airlines, retiring as Captain in 1999. Many regarded him as a great storyteller, and he would often sit for hours with family, friends, and even strangers, sharing all that he had seen and the people he had met along the way.
Jack is survived by his son Michael Stice, daughter Catherine Cooper, and grandchildren Kyle Cooper, Tristan Stice, and Evan Stice.
Jack’s final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, interment date TBD.
In lieu of flowers, Jack’s family asks that those who knew, loved, and respected Jack raise a glass in his memory and/or make a donation to the National Kidney Foundation to help those battling kidney disease.
First met Jack at Port St Joe.FL in 1959
In 1965 I reported to OCS and there was Jack. We both went to Pensacola and got our wings in 1967. Then onto CG air station in St Petersburg. After several air stations and Viet Nam for Jack we both retired from the CG. We both flew air ambulances for Shands Hospital in Gainesville then off to major airlines.
Jack was my Best friend and miss him terribly. Still having trouble knowing that he is gone forever. RIP buddy
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I find myself at a complete loss for words to describe my deep sorrow with Jack’s passing and what he meant to me on so many levels. He was such an invaluable mentor, a true friend and my only honest father figure since I met him almost 40 years ago. Jack’s wisdom, advice and help over the years with so many subjects can never be replaced. Along with the countless laughs and his stories which will always leave a smile. I will miss and think of Jack for the rest of my days. See you on the other side and eternal tailwinds my friend. Love you