Jack McKay

Jack N. McKay, age 85 of Bellaire passed away on July 25, 2017 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

Jack was born on May 4, 1932 in Rapid River Twp., MI. to the late Frederick and Oneita (McLean) McKay.

He served in the United State Navy and United State Air Force from 1951 until his retirement in 1974. He served in the Strategic Air Command as Crew Chief on the KC135 Refueling Tanker Aircraft. Also, as Command Crew Member at Andrews Air Force Base on aircraft of the Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff and in Hawaii as Aircraft Crew Chief for the Commander in Chief of the Pacific. Jack shared many stories of his travels to as many as 33 foreign countries in his military career.

After his retirement he moved to Bellaire, MI where he worked at Schuss Mountain, Dingman’s Market, Balon Cabinet Co., and in construction. He continued to live in Michigan except for the 17 winters in Panama City Beach, FL from 1995 until 2012 where he spent his time fishing and carving many home signs for family and friends.

Some of his favorite pastimes were reading, gardening and canning vegetables grown in his garden. He also enjoyed winemaking. He grew the red and black raspberries and many kinds of grapes that he used to make his wines which were always shared with many family members and friends.

Most important to him was spending time with his wife,  daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jack married Phylis Wilson who survives at Carswell AFB in Fort Worth Texas in 1958. Together they lived in Fort Worth, TX; Oscoda, MI; Suitland, MD; Oahu, HI; Fairfield, CA; and lastly Bellaire, MI. He is also survived by his daughters, Caryn (Bob) Jacobs of Gaylord, MI, Kimberly (Mark) Eickhoff of Lowell, MI, Leslie (Michael) Townsend of New Albany, IN; grandchildren, Erin McHugh, Matthew and Adam Jacobs, David and Tricia VanGessel, Brandon and Caitlyn Seamon and Jenna Townsend and step-grandchildren Sarah (Jake) Boehm, Kirstin (Cory) Baerwalde, and Mackenzie Eickhoff; great-grandchildren, Connor, Sean and Jack McHugh, Ewan and Roan Jacobs, Neil Jacobs, and Hailey VanGessel;  and brother Dale (Dorothy) McKay and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Marion Webster, James (Beverly) McKay, Richard (Pearl) McKay, and Philip (Anna) McKay.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Jack's family at a memorial luncheon being held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 5 at the ASI Community Center and Park in Bellaire.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to Bellaire Public Library and Antrim County Commission on Aging.

Arrangements are being handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.