Jake Cutler was known for “his ability to light a cigarette with a Zippo lighter right after takeoff.” One of his most iconic acts was taking a horse into the command post in England Air Force Base while slightly inebriated.
Jake slept about 4 hours per night. He was a fun and quirky guy and one hell of a pilot. He was once featured on a Life Magazine cover as one of the pilots who flew the first combat close air support missions` in Vietnam.
John W. “Jake” Cutler, LtCol USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on September 30, 2011.
CUTLER, John “Jack” W., Lt Col, USAF, retired, age 78, son of the late William L. and Ruby F. Cutler of Temperanceville, Virginia went to be with the Lord on September 30, 2011.
Surviving is his wife, Betty Sue; two daughters, Sue Ellen Hresan (Mark) and Nancy C. Bennett, both of Powhatan, Virginia; a son, John W.”Will” Cutler Jr. (Betsy) of Midlothian, Virginia; six grandchildren, Hope Johnson of Richmond, Virginia, Beth B. Weaver (Stephen) of North East, Maryland, Sarah and Charlie Bennett, both of Powhatan, Virginia, Clark and Christopher Cutler, both of Midlothian, Virginia and one great-granddaughter, Zoe Gauldin of Chester, Virginia.
Jack received his BA and MED degrees from The University of Virginia and pursued postgraduate professional work there and at VPI & SU. After serving on active duty with the USAF, he was employed by the CIA and the American Oil Company. He taught in the Accomack County School system in Virginia and then was among the first to establish Southside Virginia Community College in Keysville, Virginia. While there, Jack worked as a Counselor and later became the Director of Continuing Education. Later, he was employed by the Department of Defense in Richmond, Virginia until his retirement. Jack was a member of Huguenot Road United Methodist Church, Richmond, Virginia, Black Heath Daylight Masonic Lodge #1982, and a Shriner.
Jake is buried in the Virginia Veterans Cemetery
For more photos go to: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/midlothian-va/john-jack-cutler-4834879
