Jack

About the Book

As a little boy in the 1930s, when flying was still a novelty, Jack was introduced to flying by his father in a 40 horse Taylorcraft, a plane that ultimately met its end unceremoniously in a peach tree.

But not this day. This day love bloomed in Jack's heart and flying daydreams began.

Through the years flying was always part of the family life, even building and flying free flight model airplanes, one of which had a little "nekkid" celluloid doll sitting in the pilot's seat that Jack's father declared always enhanced the plane's performance.

Small town life filled with unforgettable characters are woven into the story. In the 1940s, as Jack grows up he learns to operate the projectors at his parent's picture show, he learns to fly,and he experiences life in his home town, always accompanied by ponies, dogs, or horses.

Terrible sadness strikes when Jack is fourteen, changing their lives as each family member tries to deal with the tragedy. Coming home from a year spent at military school, Jack rejoins the family as his parents try to resume a normal life. After many hours are flown in the family Navion Jack receives his pilot's license, as flying daydreams continue.

Too nearsighted to realize his heart's desire,Air Force flight training, a couple of years later he enlists and winds up on a mountaintop in Korea near the 38th parallel with the 607th AC&W(aircraft and warning)radar unit. If he couldn't fly 'em he could help the guys who did. Jack can never forget the guys of the 607th.

Back home, entering the University of Alabama, he meets THE girl who will share his life and his love of airplanes, leading to many adventures and mis-adventures. The key word here is mis-adventures!

Jack and wife Sylvia have truly lived "plane" life in a small town. Their home overlooks the grass strip that was the Haleyville Airport for many years and still provides pleasure as they never know who will drop in from the sky.

From the Taylorcraft to the Luscombe Silvair, to the revered Navion, many planes will enter Jack's life, none more important than a particular J-3 Cub and an unforgettable Tri-Pacer. His years with a stunning Skybolt aerobatic bi-plane give Jack his fifteen minutes of fame. The current family chariot is a beautiful Skyhawk that shares a hangar with an Oshkosh winning J-3 Cub.

All the airplanes Jack has known and loved (and he loved 'em all) have a story to tell and their stories are here, along with a warmhearted glimpse of small town life over a period of 75 years.

About the Author