Jack K. Stice, Commander, USCG (Retired)

September 23, 1939 – March 29, 2023

CMDR. Jack Kenton Stice, USCG (Ret.), Coast Guard Aviator #1234, under clear skies and beautiful sunrise, at the age of 83, made his final take-off on March 29, 2023.

Jack was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on September 23, 1939, to Artie and Lillian Stice. His early years were spent growing up in Tulsa where he became a talented baseball player, and later moved to Tampa, Florida, where he graduated from Hillsborough High School.

Jack enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1956 and honorably served 4 years obtaining the rank of Petty Officer Second Class (E-5). He served diligently at several units including, Cape San Blas LORAN Station, Port St. Joe, FL; USCGC Eastwind, Boston, MA; Cape Christian LORAN Station, Artic Circle, Baffin Island, Canada, and USCGC Nemesis, ST. Petersburg, FL. Jack was selected for Officer Candidate School followed by Naval Flight School in Pensacola, FL, earning his wings in 1967. Jack served at CG Air Station St. Petersburg, FL, and CG Air Station Astoria, OR, before volunteering in 1971 to serve as one of eleven USCG helicopter pilots with the U.S. Air Force 37th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron, Danang, Vietnam. He returned stateside to duties as a Flight Safety Officer at CG Air Station San Diego, CA, and CG Air Station Clearwater, FL, piloting both the HH-3F and HC-130. He was widely respected for his astute airmanship and unwavering leadership, both in the cockpit and in the wardroom. CDR Stice retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 1983. His accomplishments earned him special recognition in the form of medals and awards, among which are: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters (6 Air Medals), Presidential Unit Citation with Bronze Star, Navy Combat Action Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, CG Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon (3), CG Unit Commendation Ribbon (3), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Expert Rifle and Pistol Medals, Commandant Letter of Commendation Ribbon

Over the next 16 years, Jack flew all around the globe as he continued his aviation career flying B-727, DC-9, MD-80 and DC-10 aircraft for Continental Airlines, retiring as Captain in 1999. Many regarded him as a great storyteller, and he would often sit for hours with family, friends, and even strangers, sharing all that he had seen and the people he had met along the way.

Jack is survived by his son Michael Stice, daughter Catherine Cooper, and grandchildren Kyle Cooper, Tristan Stice, and Evan Stice.

Jack’s final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, interment date TBD.

In lieu of flowers, Jack’s family asks that those who knew, loved, and respected Jack raise a glass in his memory and/or make a donation to the National Kidney Foundation to help those battling kidney disease.

Published by Veterans Funeral Care on Apr. 10, 2023.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

USCG Lt. Jack K. Stice served as an exchange pilot of HH-53C’s with the 37th & 40th ARRS during the Vietnam War in the 1972/1973 time-frame.