Following graduation [from the Naval Academy] Jack entered Air Force flight and gunnery schools, spending the next 16 years in fighter flying assignments. Among his many decorations were the Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star and numerous Air Medals. He also earned a master’s degree in business from Central Michigan University. (1)
Source: (1) http://www.usna56.org/collinsjb.html
John B. Collins, LtCol USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on November 14, 2008.
Lieutenant Colonel John B. Collins, USAF (Ret.), died of heart failure on 14 November 2008 at his home in Arlington, TX. He was 73 years old.
Jack was born on 11 February 1935 to Rear Admiral and Mrs. Howard L. Collins, USN. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, DC, and entered the Naval Academy with the Class of 1956 in the 16th Company. He excelled at racquet sports and was on the varsity Squash team that went 10-1 in his final year, topped off with a 5-4 win over Army.
Following graduation, Jack entered Air Force flight and gunnery schools, spending the next 16 years in fighter flying assignments. Among his many decorations were the Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star and numerous Air Medals. He also earned a master’s degree in business from Central Michigan University.
Following his retirement from the Air Force, Jack worked for the City of Colorado Springs Traffic Engineering Department until his retirement in 1990. He then moved to a golf course community in Las Vegas, NV, where he and his wife enjoyed golfing until 2005 when he relocated to Arlington, TX, to be near his family.
He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, on 30 October 2008. Jack is survived by his sons, Gary Collins and his wife, Christine and John Collins; daughters, Janice Dubel and her husband, Jeff, Laura Wilkstrom and her husband, Ron, Lynn Goforth and her husband, Gary, Christine Humberson and her husband, Gary, and Michelle Micheletto and her husband, Joseph; brother, Tom Collins; 22 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A memorial Mass was celebrated at St. Jude Catholic Church in Mansfield, TX, on 20 November 2008. 16th Company & Christine Humberson.
