1969
John
2024
John "Jack" Kinyon
December 31, 1969 — November 25, 2024
Jack Kinyon, 101, passed away peacefully at his home in Bartlett, Illinois on November 25, 2024, in the loving presence of his devoted wife Frances, and their sons John and Paul.
Born on March 24, 1923, in Long Beach, New York, to Eleanor (née Hoey) and Keith Kinyon, Jack grew up with a strong sense of duty and adventure alongside his older brother Keith. In 1942, during World War II, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces. As a member of the Air Transport Command, Jack participated in over 50 transatlantic missions on Douglas C-54 aircraft, serving in locations such as France, Scotland, England, Africa, the Middle East, and India. These missions were vital in transporting critical supplies, equipment, mail, VIPs, and the wounded, helping to support Allied forces across multiple theaters of operation.
After the war, Jack returned to civilian life in 1947 and earned a BS degree from Seton Hall University and an MBA from Rutgers University. Jack had a distinguished career in management, where he worked for manufacturing companies and two prestigious law firms. In his free time he was a private pilot and liked sailing and traveling.
In his retirement, Jack enjoyed wood carving, writing poetry, researching family genealogy, public speaking on his military service, and driving his 1931 Ford Model “A” Deluxe Roadster. He was a member of a number of service organizations and patriotic societies, including Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Society of Colonial Wars, Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Revolution, Society of the War of 1812, and many others.
Jack held a leadership role in the Air Transport Command Association, educating the public on its contributions during World War II. As Historian and Board Member, he co-developed an exhibit at the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover AFB in Delaware, where his uniform and memorabilia are displayed. His latest project was enhancing the visibility of the ATC at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, OH.
Jack's military service was instrumental in the liberation of France during World War II. In June, with the support of the Best Defense Foundation, he returned to Normandy to attend the 80th Anniversary of D-Day at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. During the ceremony, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor by President Emmanuel Macron.
Known for his hospitality, generosity and quick sense of humor, Jack had an exceptional ability to connect with others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A devout Catholic, Jack was committed to prayer and the sacraments throughout his life.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Frances (née Martino), sons John and Paul (wife Mary), granddaughter Eleanor Kinyon, grandsons Andrew Collard and Patrick Collard and their families, and numerous nephews and nieces.
A funeral Mass will begin on Monday, December 16 at 10:30 at the Sacred Heart Chapel at The Oaks at Bartlett, 801 Carillon Drive, Bartlett, IL. Inurnment is planned for Arlington National Cemetery. A celebration of life is being planned for March, 2025. In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible donations may be made to The Air Force Museum Foundation, P.O. Box 1903, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, (include “ATC Fund” in the check memo), or airforcemuseumfoundation.org/support (select tribute gift in memory of Jack Kinyon, ATC Fund).
Born on March 24, 1923, in Long Beach, New York, to Eleanor (née Hoey) and Keith Kinyon, Jack grew up with a strong sense of duty and adventure alongside his older brother Keith. In 1942, during World War II, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces. As a member of the Air Transport Command, Jack participated in over 50 transatlantic missions on Douglas C-54 aircraft, serving in locations such as France, Scotland, England, Africa, the Middle East, and India. These missions were vital in transporting critical supplies, equipment, mail, VIPs, and the wounded, helping to support Allied forces across multiple theaters of operation.
After the war, Jack returned to civilian life in 1947 and earned a BS degree from Seton Hall University and an MBA from Rutgers University. Jack had a distinguished career in management, where he worked for manufacturing companies and two prestigious law firms. In his free time he was a private pilot and liked sailing and traveling.
In his retirement, Jack enjoyed wood carving, writing poetry, researching family genealogy, public speaking on his military service, and driving his 1931 Ford Model “A” Deluxe Roadster. He was a member of a number of service organizations and patriotic societies, including Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Society of Colonial Wars, Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Revolution, Society of the War of 1812, and many others.
Jack held a leadership role in the Air Transport Command Association, educating the public on its contributions during World War II. As Historian and Board Member, he co-developed an exhibit at the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover AFB in Delaware, where his uniform and memorabilia are displayed. His latest project was enhancing the visibility of the ATC at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, OH.
Jack's military service was instrumental in the liberation of France during World War II. In June, with the support of the Best Defense Foundation, he returned to Normandy to attend the 80th Anniversary of D-Day at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. During the ceremony, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor by President Emmanuel Macron.
Known for his hospitality, generosity and quick sense of humor, Jack had an exceptional ability to connect with others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A devout Catholic, Jack was committed to prayer and the sacraments throughout his life.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Frances (née Martino), sons John and Paul (wife Mary), granddaughter Eleanor Kinyon, grandsons Andrew Collard and Patrick Collard and their families, and numerous nephews and nieces.
A funeral Mass will begin on Monday, December 16 at 10:30 at the Sacred Heart Chapel at The Oaks at Bartlett, 801 Carillon Drive, Bartlett, IL. Inurnment is planned for Arlington National Cemetery. A celebration of life is being planned for March, 2025. In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible donations may be made to The Air Force Museum Foundation, P.O. Box 1903, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, (include “ATC Fund” in the check memo), or airforcemuseumfoundation.org/support (select tribute gift in memory of Jack Kinyon, ATC Fund).
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