John W. Bales

Preferred Name: John
Nickname/Call Sign: Santa Jack
Date of Birth: December 21, 1937
Headed West: August 9, 2012
Highest Military Grade Held: Select
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Biography

John Bales was a Technical Sergeant with the 457th Tactical Fighter Squadron/506th Tactical Fighter Wing and the 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron/20th Tactical Wing.

Headed West

John William Bales “Headed West” August 9, 2012.


John William Bales, age 74, went to be with the Lord peacefully on August 9, 2012, after a short battle with cancer. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland on December 21, 1937. He was a retired TSGT, USAF, and also retired from the Dept. of Defense, civil service.

John affectionately known as Jack or Santa Jack was a beloved husband, dad, and grandpa. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother…He is survived by his wife, Shirley Bales; 3 children, 2 step-children, and 6 grandchildren… Interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with Air Force military honors.

Pilot Information

Units Assigned

  • 457th Tactical Fighter Squadron/506th Tactical Fighter Wing
  • 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron/20th Tactical Wing

Awards & Decorations

Flight Info

F-100

Military & Civilian Education