Jack L. Stopkotte of Harlan Twp. Beloved husband of 54 years to Judith Stopkotte. Loving father of Kenneth James Stopkotte, Jill Marie (Christopher) Bader and Christine Elaine LaCombe. Proud grandfather of Josephine Marie Lupariello, Noah Michael Stopkotte and Jacob Daniel Stopkotte. Brother of the late Virgil, Leonard, Arlene, Clarice, Joyce, Dorothy, Gerald, James and Virginia. Dear cousin William Stoppkotte. Passed away October 25, 2018 at the age of 78. Jack was born in Grand Island, NE May 13, 1940. He attended rural schools and was a member of the Class of 1957 at Wood River High School. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1959. Jack served 20 years in the Air Force. He was selected to participate in the Airman Education and Commissioning Program in 1963, earned a B.S. degree from University of Colorado and completed Officer Training School and Undergraduate Pilot Training, receiving his wings in June 1967. During the Vietnam War, he was assigned to Anderson Air Force Base, Guam where he flew the C-141A "Starlifter" on passenger, cargo and aeromedical evacuation missions and the WC-130 on typhoon reconnaissance missions. He also flew thunderstorm seeding, fog dissipation and atmospheric sampling missions at various locations in the North and South Pacific regions. His final assignment during Vietnam was flying C-130E aircraft based from Korat Air Base, Thailand, carrying battle staff responsible for coordinating Southeast Asia airstrikes. Following his Thailand tour, Jack was assigned to the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH. While there he earn his M.S. degree and worked on a number of projects, including procurement of DC-10 aircraft and design modifications to the aircraft fuel tanks, refueling boom and flight engineers panel to facilitate improved in-flight refueling capabilities. He also flew part-time in the T-29 Sabreliner on VIP transport missions. During his Air Force career Jack was awarded the Air Medal with 13 Oak Leaf Clusters for his Southeast Asia flying and the Commendation and Meritorious Service Medals for his extra curricular jobs in his flying units and in the KC10 Program Office. Jack retired from the Air Force in August 1979 and took a position at General Electric Aircraft Engines group in Evendale, OH. He spent most of his GE career in Flight Operations Support, performing liaison and consulting services with customer flight operations personnel from commercial airlines operating GE engines. The CF34 (regional jets) and GE90-115B (B777) were among the engines he supported. He chaired educational sessions and symposiums at GE Aircraft Engines home base and at many locations around the world. In addition to his work in Flight Operations Support, he represented GE in several NTSB investigations of high profile accidents and flew B707, A300 and B747 aircraft as a test pilot with GEs Flight Test Operations at Mojave, CA. Jack retired from GE in 2005 as Director of Flight Operations Support. In addition to the many aircraft he piloted during his career in the Air Force and with GE, he also owned a C172, which he flew for personal travel and charitable transport of patients for the Angel Flight organization. Jack met his wife Judy in the chow hall at McChord Air Force Base, WA, where they were both airmen, launching a lifetime of adventure. He loved to fly, farm the family acreage and in between jog marathons, cycle and strum his guitar. Most of all he was a family man who spent years attending swim meets and any other activity involving his kids and grandkids. His strongest attribute was the true and unconditional love he felt for his wife and family. He will be missed, but our lives will be filled with wonderful memories. Friends will be received Monday, November 5 from 9-10 AM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8815 E. Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, where Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 AM. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Angel Flight. www.tuftsschildmeyer.com Funeral Home: Tufts Schildmeyer Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center - Loveland 129 Riverside Drive Loveland, OH US 45140