Jack Kille

July 18, 1922 - May 2, 2013

John Jacob Kille (Jack) was born on July 19, 1922 in the Hunts Point section of Brooklyn, NY to Fred and Bertha Cahill Kille.

In 1935, during the Depression, the family moved to a bungalow and later a farm in Washingtonville, NY. There are many family stories about life on the farm and it always sounded like Jack had a happy and healthy childhood.

After graduation from Washingtonville High School, Jack attended Cornell University School of Agriculture, but had his scholastic career cut short by World War II. He enlisted in the Air Corps and while waiting for his ight training, he met his mate Alice Moller. They were married in The Little Church Around the Corner in New York City before he started his military career. During the war, Jack was stationed in Horham, UK with the 95th Bomb Group. He ew in 35 missions over Europe including the Berlin Run 19 on May 4, 1944. Although it is a bit on an oxymoron he thoroughly enjoyed being a bombardier and his war years in general. He came home a celebrated hero with many fond memories and friendships that lasted his lifetime.

Upon his return, he and Alice settled in Monroe, NY, worked in the family meat market, and raised their family. Jack worked long and hard as a butcher and market manager for the Shop Rite Chain and Food City. When he retired the first time, he delivered papers for the Middletown Record and took up the game of golf.

For recreation, he and Alice traveled, always with their golf clubs, looking for a good game on a new course. A hole-in-one shot on a course in Sequim, WA prompted him to buy a house near the hole and really retire.

Jack was actively involved with the VFW in Sequim and attended many reunions of the 95th Bomb Group. For the group's 50th anniversary/reunion, he and Alice raised funds to reguild the bell tower in Horham, which was the landmark denoting their airfield a few yards away. The bell tower was destroyed during the war.

Jack is predeceased by his wife of 56 years and survived by his daughters, Natalie Kille of Redlands, CA and Marilyn Grindrod (Mark) of Kingston, WA; two granddaughters and four great-grandsons and his loyal dog, Kirby.

Jack passed away peacefully at home with his family close by. Honoring his wishes, there will be no service. Family members will be gathering at a later date.

Sequim Gazette (WA) - Wednesday, June 5, 2013