Birth:  Nov. 2, 1932, Ewing, Angelina County, Texas, USA

Death: Jul. 13, 2015, Bossier City, Bossier Parish, Louisiana, USA

HAUGHTON, LA- Services for Lt. Colonel USAF Ret. Jack Garner Woodson, 82, will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2015 at St. George's Episcopal Church at 2 pm with Fr. James Flowers officiating. Interment will follow in Hill Crest Memorial Park. There will be a reception prior to the service at St. George's parish hall at 1:00.

Jack was born November 2, 1932 in Ewing, Texas, and passed away on July 13, 2015 in Bossier City, Louisiana. The family moved from Ewing and settled in Gatesville. Jack and his brothers and sisters grew up as cattle and sheep ranchers, and one of his prime motivations for success in life was to avoid a lifetime of fixing fences.

Jack attended Texas A&M University and was a proud member of the Corp of Cadets. He proudly wore his Aggie ring and considered himself a member of the Aggie family long after his graduation in 1954.

Jack felt lucky to have had a job he loved. As an Air Force pilot, he saw the world. He spent time in Alaska; he flew over North Africa and Russia; he landed in China. He spent the majority of his career flying KC135's, saying this was "how I made my living." During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he was able to get lots of airtime because, like always, he was on time for work. The Woodson children certainly learned that punctuality is a virtue. Jack was part of the Green Hornet Special Operations Squadron in Vietnam, a special ops unit that flew helicopter gunships into enemy territory, providing reconnaissance and gunnery support. He flew over 133 missions in Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, Jack served as Squadron Commander for his helicopter unit at MacDill Air Force Base. His work with young officers earned him the title "Colonel Jack." He was a decorated officer, earning the Air Force Accommodation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with Six Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the National Defense Service Medal with One Bronze Star. He also earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Longevity Service Award with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After retiring from the Air Force, Jack spent twenty years working for the State of Louisiana in the Employment Services. He believed strongly in the value of work, and it was gratifying to him when he could match the right person to the right job.

Above all, Jack was a family man. He may have travelled the globe, but he always came home to June, his wife of fifty-eight years, and children. They loved the years they spent in the Air Force, and cherished the friends and adventures they had together. Their house was filled with kids, friends, and especially dogs. Even though Jack told June that there would be no dogs in his house, they began their life with dogs with Cocker Spaniels then moved to the Irish Setter years. When Jack retired from the State, he found his real place in the world of hunt tests and field trials. His golden retrievers and black labs were the focus of his and June's energy. Jack served as president of the Shreveport-Bossier Retriever Club numerous times; he and June were lifetime members of the club. He was the proud owner and handler of three Master Hunters, Willie, Jazz, and Lucy, and co-owner of two QAA AKC field trial dogs, Itch and Maxie. Tucker, his last Golden, is a certified therapy dog.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rob and Pat Woodson, sister Betty Jo Woodson Byrom, brother R. L. Woodson, and daughter Patricia Jo Woodson. Jack is survived by his son, Jeffrey Woodson and Susan Martinez, his significant other; daughter, Kathy Woodson O'Neal and husband Kevin; granddaughter, Elizabeth Woodson, brother Mike Woodson and his wife Trudy, and sisters Mary Woodson Voss and Virginia Woodson Fowler.

The family would like to express our gratitude to Ellen Wall, his caregiver and card partner, and to Dr. Ted Warren and his nurses Nina, Tanya, and Caroline for taking care of both our parents for years. We are grateful to Dr. Kiser and the ICU nurses at Promise Hospital for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. George's Episcopal Church or Paws with a Purpose at the Glen.

Condolences may be left and online register book signed at www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com

GUEST BOOK

Friday, July 17, 2015

When we lived in La and attended St. George's years ago, we always enjoyed our morning chats with June & Jack. Jack & June were such fine people. Jack will be missed - prayers are with the family.

~

Reve' Norman, the Villages, Florida

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Kathy and Jeff I just was told. I am so sorry for your loss.. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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Michele Poteet, Bossier City, Louisiana

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Kathy and Jeff, Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Our prayers are with you and the family.

~

Mike Keith, Haughton, Louisiana

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Kathy, I'm sorry I can't be with you today but my heart is right there beside you. Words can't adequately express my sympathy but know I'm praying for you. Each loss we experience is different but I think we always expect our parents to be there for us. Your dad had an amazing life and I am truly proud and appreciative of his service to our country. I also know it required a lot of sacrifice on his family's part.

~

Mary Hickman, Shreveport, Louisiana

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

We have lost another American hero. Jack and people like him made this country great. We will miss him.

~

John Neel