John O'Connor
John (Jack) O’Connor, 83, Fargo, died Monday, December 31, 2018 at his home.
John William O’Connor was born November 10, 1935 to Mable and William O’Connor in Chicago, IL. He graduated from Danville High School in 1954.
Jack joined the Air Force in May 1955 and served proudly for 4 years. While in the Air Force he attended school at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado for radar maintenance. After his discharge from the Air Force in 1959, Jack joined the Marine Corps Reserve completing his USMC Boot Camp at Paris Island, SC. While a USMC Reservist, he worked for Minneapolis Honeywell in Denver, CO as an electronics technician. He then hired on with Hughes Aircraft Company in California as an F-102 radar Technical Services Representative. His first assignment with Hughes was in Fargo, ND at the NDANG training personnel on F-102 radar maintenance. He joined the NDANG “The Happy Hooligans” in 1966 and worked there 26 years until he retired in 1992. During his time with The Happy Hooligans, Jack supported the F-102, F-101, F-4 and F-16 weapon systems. Jack thoroughly enjoyed teaching and electronics troubleshooting while working the mockup in the radar back-shop. He considered The Happy Hooligans as his extended family throughout his career and retirement until his death.
Jack enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting, reloading, good food and good conversation. Jack was often heard saying “this is the finest meal I’ve ever had!” Jack was also an avid Bison football fan. He looked forward to every game and was making plans to watch the upcoming championship. In his younger years, Jack enjoyed golf and was a charter member of The Happy Hooligans annual golf tournament Ka-Whumpa. He greatly enjoyed the time he spent with his family and loved attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren.
Jack was married to Peggy (Johnson) for 17 years. They had two sons and one daughter. He married Janice (Foster) in 1983. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Janice; daughter, Diana of Denver, CO; two sons, William of Las Vegas, NV, Glenn (Ling) of Fargo, ND; step-daughter, Andria (Glenn) Foster-DeVold of Fargo, ND; grandsons, Jordan, Aric, Evan and granddaughter, Alayna.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gary.
Services: Prayer Service at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, ND on Monday, January 7th at 7:00 pm. Visitation is 5:00-7:00 pm.
Funeral is at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, ND on Tuesday, January 8th at 10:00 am. Visitation is 9:00-10:00 am.
RIP Old Friend,
Our sympathy and condolences to the family, I knew and worked with Jack for many years as a Happy Hooligan, he always had a smile on his face when he came into the office, and a smile for Elaine when he came into the BX, fly high old friend, fly high.
I was blessed to work with some incredibly talented people in the course of my adult life; John was the best boss, ever, without reservation. Smart, perceptive, fair, an honest broker – it really made the work environment seem like play time. He brought joy to all of us, and we’ll all miss him immensely.
My sincere sympathies to all of John’s family. RIP JOHN.
Glen, sorry to here about your dad passing. Hope his good memories can help you get through this sad time.
You will be missed Jack but your stories will live on! My thoughts and prayers to the O’Connors.
Sorry to hear about Jack. Always a pleasure to talk with, had such a positive attitude on life!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this time of loss. Jack was certainly one of the good ones! He was always a friend and a true professional in all he did. I worked with Jack at the Happy Hooligans and always looked up to him for his knowledge, work ethic and friendship. RIP!
Tlar
See you, Jack…..
At the Air Guard, there were always a few standout personalities that seemed to collectively form the character of the unit. Names like Duane Hinsperger, Neil Miller and Harold Kjelvik were some. Jack O’Connor was another. In his years in the Guard and those in his retirement, he was a man of cheerful nature and ready with a smile. He exuded a warmth towards everyone; a man with a genuine interest in everyone he dealt with. A few weeks ago, I had the good fortune to run into Jack at the Credit Union where we had a most enjoyable conversation and I was once again treated to that smile as we caught up on our lives.
While the world has lost a valued asset, the legacy he leaves to us is manifested in a couple of great kids who will continue to carry the O’Connor torch. Godspeed, Jack.
So sorry to hear about your Dad, Glen. May he Rest In Peace, such a good Man.
Jack was a part of the generation that put the Hooligans on the radar screen of the air defense community and USAF as a unit to be respected and emulated. He was curious and enjoyed a problem solving challenge. Some things just took a little longer to diagnose and resolve than others.
I think of Jack and our conversations every time I pass by Danville and will continue to do so.
It was an honor to have known and served with him.
You were an inspiration to the Hooligan organization. I always enjoyed your endless smile and friendship. RIP John.
You’re Hooligan family will miss you.
You will be missed Jack. It was a real pleasure knowing and working with you all these years.
RIP Jack. Proud to have served with you and the Hooligan family.
I fondly remember Jack when he would come to the Base Personnel office for updates and record reviews. He was always cooperative and had that infectious smile on his face. He contributed a great deal to the Happy Hooligans – which are Legendary because of Jack and professional people like him. God speed Jack – I know your soul is smiling.
Jack,
Godspeed to the trap house, may all your scores be “25”.
Sorry to hear of Jacks passing, he was a special person that I had the pleasure of calling a friend at the guard. He was a joy to visit with at anytime, anyplace. May your anti freeze locks never freeze Jack. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Glen.
Jack. You will be missed. I only spent a very short period of time with you. However you left a lasting impression on me and I felt a close bond with you. Your daughter Diana and I been close friends for years. God bless you. I know you will
continue your positive influence and watch over Diana.
I live in Wa.state where j
I live in Wa. state where Johns brother Gary lived. Gary and I were friends for 40 yrs before he passed several yrs. back we were like brothers. Each time John would come out to visit Gary I got to see Jack.Very polite and nice man. I will always remember him by his famous line. Wherever we ate, my house,Garys house,or in a restaurant,It never failed [ best meal I ever ate] he was a great guy and I will miss him. We will miss you Wayne & Erna.
ohns
So sad to hear Jack’s hunting jacket has lost it’s load. Will miss your great stories in elk camp and everywhere else our paths crossed. You’ll be missed, friend.
I never had a chance to meet you Mr O’Connor but I feel like I knew you from the stories your loving wonderful daughter Diana would tell me. She loved you immensely. She would always tell me what a riot you were and how she loved talking to you and spending time with you. She shared stories with me about Vegas and Celine Dion and would tell me about your great sense of humor. I’m so glad I got to know you through your daughter. You will be greatly missed.
May you Rest In Peace and be with God.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
I’m so blessed to have known Jack he was always kind and optimistic. I’m glad I got to see him on our visit there in June. I am deeply sorry for your sudden loss. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.
A lot of good memories, RIP Jack.
To Diana and Family,
My heart is heavy and filled with sorrow upon the unexpected news of your father’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. O’conner several times when he came to visit Diana in Colorado. He exuberated vitality, had a gleam in his eye and a contagious smile. His humor brought joy and laughter. Being in his presence you knew he was a wise and noble man. Forever you will hold these qualities in your heart and continue his legacy forward…….Diana You are beautiful example of you father‘s heart and soul.
I know that grief is not something you complete but rather something you endure. It’s not a task to finish but a new definition of self.
May God hold you in the palm of his hand. Love, light and gentle healing peace to each of you.
Although we never had the opportunity to meet, your light and smile shines on in Diana. What a wonderful life of service and family. May you reset in peace.
It was an honor to have worked with Jack. His job knowledge and workethics were that of a true professional.
He had he most friendly personality always had a smile and good word story.
He will be missed by all. RIP Jack
As a dear friend of Jacks daughter, I never had the chance to meet her father. Diana always talked about his love for aviation and what a great man he was. As an aviator we would have talked for days with our love for anything with wings. Sorry for your loss to the family.
Glen, we are sorry for your loss.You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Glenn and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. What a beautiful video tribute to your father. Keeping you in our thoughts during this difficult time.