Jack E Grapentine

Jack E. Grapentine, Colonel, USAF (Retired) passed away on 26 August 2017. He was 99 years old and died from complications of old age. He was the son of Margaret and Erwin Grapentine and was born in Portsmouth, NH on 29 June 1918. This was the time of a devastating worldwide flu epidemic that was taking lives by the thousands. His mother was told by her doctor that her newborn son would not be alive in the morning. Jack did survive and went on to become a WWII Army Air Corps fighter pilot, flying combat missions against Japanese forces who had invaded the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. He survived that experience and came back to Alliance, Ohio where he married his high school sweetheart, Martha Ailes. While there he was able to complete his studies that had been interrupted by the war and graduated Mount Union College. Martha and Jack were married almost 66 years and had three sons, J Dee, David and Robert. Martha, David, and Robert as well as Jack’s only sibling George “Dee” Grapentine, predeceased him. Jack is survived by his eldest son, J Dee and his wife Mary who currently reside in New Mexico. He is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Sheila Grapentine, of Florida, two grandchildren, Laura Paz of Arizona and Matthew Grapentine of Texas as well as 4 great grandchildren. Jack served a combined total of 26 years in the Army Air Corps and the USAF, He had various assignments in the United States as well as one on the Island of Okinawa, Japan. After retirement from the USAF he served a number of years as an Air Force Junior ROTC instructor at Stebbins High School. Jack enjoyed golfing with Martha and friends. He also was an avid gardener, beekeeper, home grounds keeper, and loyal Ohio State Buckeyes fan. The family thanks the staff and doctors at the WPAFB Medical Center, The Friends Care Center of Yellow Springs, and caregiver, Emilee, for their outstanding care and dedicated service. In accordance with his wishes, Jack has been cremated and will be interred in Alliance, Ohio. If desired, the family asks that a donation be made in Jack’s name to a charity of your choice. Adkins Funeral Home, Enon is assisting with Jack’s final wishes. www.adkinsfunerals.com

Jack E Grapentine

June 29, 1918 - August 26, 2017