Colonel Henry Jackson Cochran, USAF (Ret)

Jack Cochran, born February 4, 1939 in Atlanta, Georgia, died peacefully at home, Wednesday, March 12, 2014, with his family and friends gathered.

Jack married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Somerville, in 1960 and they have celebrated 54 years together.

Jack attended Grady High School in Atlanta, graduating 1956. He attended Emory University, graduating in 1960 receiving a Bachelor's degree in business and a Commission in the United States Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity there, holding the position of Chapter President.

Jack has a exceptional career in the USAF, retiring as a Colonel, Director of Operations, Pacific Air Forces. Jack served his country for 28 years in European, Pacific, and Stateside posts. He served as the 51st Tactical Fighter Wing Commander and 5th Tactical Air Support Group Commander, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Other command positions include: Combat Support Group Commander, Royal Air Force Base, Bentwaters/Woodbridge, England, Director of Flying Operations, Sembach Air Force Base, Germany, and Squadron Commander of the 23rd Tactical Air Support Squadron, Bergstrom Air Force Base, Austin, Texas. Jack's combat duty included duty in Vietnam, flying search and rescue missions out of Udorn, Thailand. He flew 100 combat sorties over North Vietnam, earning the accolades of his peers in the "Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association". Colonel Cochran's decorations include the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and Air Medal with eleven Oak Leaf Clusters. He was a member of the Air Force Association and Daedalian Society.

He flew multiple aircraft, including the A-10 Warthog, F-4 Phantom, A-1E Skyraider, AT-37, OV-10 Bronco, O-2 Bird Dog, F-102 Delta Dagger, and T-33. His junior officers respected him immeasurably stating, "As we discussed how effective we were during Desert Storm, we came to realize the depth of training we received from Colonel Cochran." Jack completed the Army War College, Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officer's School, and received a Master's Degree from Auburn University, Montgomery.

After his distinguished military career, he retired from active service and worked for 15 years as a defense contractor with Science Applications International Corporation and Quantum Research International, in Huntsville, Alabama.

Jack retired to Daniel Island, SC in 2002, to spend time with his family and became very active at Christ Church. He was a Bible Study Leader for the men's group as well as a teacher in the Adult Bible Study group. He also served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and Visitor. Jack was a leader of one of the original life groups, and was a member of Christ Church's last building campaign, "One Great Purpose".

Jack's youth was spent in the Boy Scouts where he attained the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 14. In Mt. Pleasant, he became an assistant Scoutmaster for Pack 9 and Troop 20 at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, helping a number of young men to earn their own Eagle Scout awards. All of his grandsons participated in Scouting, one achieving the rank of Eagle. Bishop Mark Lawrence awarded Jack the St. George Episcopal Award in January 2011 - a unique recognition of his exemplary service as a mentor for young scouts.

Jack was well known in local high school sporting events. He supported his granddaughter, Paige, at Wando High School in Cross Country and Track and Field; grandsons, Andy and Bryan in Wando's Football and Lacrosse; his granddaughter, Julia in Hanahan High School's Basketball and Volleyball and grandson, Justin, in Hanahan Wrestling.

Jack also served the local community in the Seafarers' Ministry and East Cooper Meals on Wheels.

Jack is survived by his wife, Virginia Cochran, two daughters and their families, Kathy and David Cole of Mt. Pleasant, SC and Cindy and George Holmes of Daniel Island, SC. His five grandchildren, Paige, Andy and Bryan Cole and Julia and Justin O'Grady, were the light of his life. Jack dearly loved his family and friends who will sorely miss him.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Christ Church, 2304 Highway 17N, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466 or to The David J. Cole Fund in Surgical Oncology Innovation at the MUSC Foundation, 18 Bee Street MSC 450, Charleston, SC 29425-8610.

Services will be Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at 11:00 am in the Main Church at Christ Church, 2304 Highway 17 N, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at the Church's graveyard, A reception will follow the service at Christ Church as well. Funeral arrangements are being handled by J. HENRY STUHR INC., MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL.