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Jack Joseph Tyson, 90, of Cedar Key, passed away peacefully, and after an extraordinary life, on Friday, April 6, 2012. Jack was born in Leary, Georgia, on November 18, 1921, and grew up in Albany, Georgia. After completing high school and two years at Georgia Tech, Jack enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Corps. At the age of twenty, Jack entered the 322nd Bomber Group, and was sent overseas, where he was soon responsible for piloting the B-26 bomber in a series of high-profile missions over Europe during World War II. During his service, Jack had a number of adventures; from sleeping under the wings of his stranded bomber on the Sahara desert, to joining King George and a young Queen Elizabeth for high tea, Jack proved himself as an exemplary airman. By 1943, Captain Jack Tyson was the first combat crew member to complete 25 missions in the B-26 bomber with the U.S. Army Air Force. Jack ultimately retired from the service with a number of commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal with ten Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart (awarded for wounds he suffered in the face from shrapnel), as well as the European Theater Medal with Three Bronze Stars. 
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In his personal life, Jack was married to Catharine Gould Tyson, and was subsequently married to Dorothy Aiken Tyson. His marriage to Catharine resulted in two children: a son, Patrick Ryan - named for his best friend and wingman, who was lost in a combat mission - and a daughter, Catharine. After returning from the service, Jack graduated from Georgia Tech with honors with an engineering degree, and held a series of executive jobs, culminating in his work for Owens Illinois in Toledo, Ohio, where he worked on a top secret project developing materials for surveillance aircraft and satellites. Jack ultimately retired to Cedar Key, Florida, where he joined the congregation at Christ Episcopal Church, and generously volunteered his time to numerous city projects - his efforts were instrumental in the development of the city`s improved water system. But the majority of Jack`s dedication was reserved for the Cedar Key Historical Society, which held a special place in his heart. Up until his final days, Cedar Key residents would often see Jack crossing the street from his home to the museum, where he would tend the gardens, welcome guests, and act as a docent for the town`s distinctive history. Jack is survived by an extensive family, including his son, Patrick Ryan Tyson (and his wife, Pamela); his daughter, Catharine Tyson Beattie (and her husband, John); his stepsons Richard Aiken, Robert Aiken, Stewart Aiken, and Frazier Aiken; his grandchildren, Spencer Beattie (with wife Diana); Leigh Tyson (with husband Brian Lunsford); Bridget Beattie Drennen (with husband Glenn Drennen); and Elizabeth Tyson Tatigian (with husband Robert Tatigian). Great-grandchildren Amelia, Garland, Maya, Cate, and Glenn also survive him, as well as a number of wonderful friends in Cedar Key, who made his final years some of the most extraordinary of an extraordinary life. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 14th, at Cedar Key Cemetery, immediately followed by a luncheon at Christ Episcopal Church, located at the corner of Hwy 24 and 5th Street, Cedar Key, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cedar Key Historical Society for the benefit of Dorothy`s Memorial Garden, P.O. Box 222, Cedar Key, FL 32625-0222. Arrangements are under the care of Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 1301 N. Young Blvd., Chiefland, FL 32626, 352-493-0050. On line condolences may be sent through our website at www.hiers-baxley.com |
