Col Jack H. Sandstrom USAF (Ret)'s Obituary
Col. Jack H. Sandstrom, USAF (Ret.) passed away peacefully January 17, 2015 at St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood, WA. His days were filled with visits from family and friends. He was surrounded with love, and he fought to the end with grace, dignity, and determination.
Jack was born March 4, 1931, in Portland, OR, and lived 83 extraordinary years. He grew up mostly in Tacoma and graduated from Stadium High School in 1949. He attended Washington State University (and remained a loyal Cougar) before graduating from the University of Puget Sound in 1954 where he met his wife, Marian Bangert. Jack was a member of the first ROTC class at UPS, and upon graduation received his commission into the Air Force and spent the next 26 years serving his country with distinction and honor. Jack began his Air Force career in February 1955 with the 317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS) at McChord AFB. He received his wings in 1958 and began his flying career with the 318th FIS at McChord. In 1960 he was assigned to the 68th FIS at Itazuki AFB, Japan, where he was promoted to Captain. In 1963 he was assigned to the 5th FIS at Minot AFB, ND, and promoted to Major. Jack volunteered for service in Viet Nam and, after completing F-4 Combat Crew Training in 1969, was assigned to the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron and later the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand. He flew 137 combat missions over Viet Nam in the F-4E fighter and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. In July 1970, he became Executive Officer and then Operations Officer for the 87th FIS at Duluth AFB, MN, and KI Sawyer AFB, MI, where he was promoted to Lt. Col. He returned to Minot AFB, ND, in January 1973 as Commander of his beloved 5th FIS. In June 1975 Jack requested transfer back to Tacoma to assist his ailing father. He was promoted to Colonel and became Deputy for Operations of the 25th NORAD Region/Air Division in August 1976. In 1977 he became Vice Commander of the 25th Air Division. In 1978 Jack became Chief of Staff for the US/Taiwan Defense Command in Taipei, then to Camp Smith, HI, to coordinate US Forces withdrawal from Taiwan. In 1980 he became Chief of Safety, HQ Tactical Air Command in Colorado Springs, CO, where he developed and implemented flight, weapons, nuclear and ground safety programs for 6 air divisions, the Air Defense Weapons Center, and Air Forces Iceland. Jack was a highly decorated, distinguished leader and command pilot with more than 3,800 hours in jet fighter aircraft. He was consistently rated as "well above standard" by his superior officers throughout his career. He was known for his superior knowledge, aggressive leadership, incisive decision making, determination, loyalty, dedication, and his verbal and written command.
He always considered Tacoma his home and returned after his retirement in 1981. He stayed active in the military, serving in the Air Force Association and the Military Affairs Committee for Tacoma Chamber of Commerce, and managing McChord Travel World. Whether boating on the Sound, RV'ing to the mountains or the ocean, or just visiting at one of our homes, there was no place Jack would rather be than with his family. One of his favorite spots was his property on Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho where the family spent many memorable summer vacations. He had intense pride in his family, never missing the chance to attend any event involving his children or grandchildren.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents Fred E. and Myrtle Sandstrom and his brother Fred L. Sandstrom. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Marian, his daughters Nikki Verner and Lori (Charles) Bishop, his sons Curt (Elise) and Derik (Barb), his sister Julie (Jeffrey) Murray, grandchildren Cole (Andrea) Verner and Brenna, Bryan, Braden, MaKenna and Rachel Sandstrom, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. A service will be held at 12:30 PM February 19th at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St, Kent. Jack will be buried with full military honors along with a special "fly by", weather permitting.
The celebration of life will continue at St. John's Lutheran Church, 8602 Bridgeport Way SW in Lakewood, at 3:30 PM. All are welcome to attend both events. Donations may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church or the VFW.
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Published in News Tribune (Tacoma) on Feb. 11, 2015
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