Jack Randle Blount

Jack Randle Blount Jr., age 64, passed away on Sunday, April 24th, 2005, at home with his family. Jack had resided in Ocean Springs, Mississippi for 24 years following his retirement, at the rank of Major, from the United States Air Force. He was born October 14th, 1940, in Minden, Louisiana, to Hazel and JR Blount SR. of Doyline, LA. In 1962 Jack graduated from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute with a BA in English Literature. He began his Air Force Career in May, 1963. His tours as a pilot included; Instructor at Vance AFB, Enid Oklahoma; Division Air Liason Officer with the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and with the 58th Tac Fighter Squadron at Eglin AFB, Ft. Walton Beach, FL. He flew 279 total combat hours in the Vietnam Conflict, first a navigator in the 603rd Air Commando Squadron and then as a pilot in the 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Jack received the Distinguished Flying Cross with one device and an air medal with six devices as well as many other distinguished commendations. Memberships on the Mississippi Gulf Coast included; First Baptist of Ocean Springs and the Black Creek Hunting Lodge. Jack was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his loving wife of 42 years, Jacqueline Dyer Blount; his four daughters; Rebecca Leigh Coleman, Allison Blount Stewart and her husband Tom, Julie Ann Foster and her husband Todd and Jennifer Lynn Blount; four beautiful grandchildren; Erika, Jake, Sam and Abby; Aunt and Uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Roberts; and his beloved dog Auburn. Jack lived an exceptionally full life, even through a long illness. His zest for life; flying fighters, riding quarter horses, hunting, fishing, cooking and voracious reading…combined with a quick wit, will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. The Family would like to express their gratitude to family and friends for their unending support and love. Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 27th, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., with a 1:30 p.m. chapel service, all at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. A 3:00 p.m. graveside service will follow at the Biloxi National Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs Building Fund, 602 Washington Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS. 39564.