P-38 Ace Jack Ilfrey Has Passed Away

[Locobuster]

I just received word that P-38 Maj. Jack M. Ilfrey, the former commander of the 79th. Fighter Squadron, passed away on October 15th. amd was laid to rest on Oct. 19th. I am at a loss as to tell you what a great and generous man he was, truly the last of a breed. I will miss him dearly.

[Lynn Allen]

Thanks for the info and yes its a sad day as Mr. Ilfrey was a great one. I spoke with him many times in San Antonio and it was always a joy to listen to him.

God Rest,


Lynn

[Tulio]

Happy Jack has gone Buggy..... : (

May he rest in Peace.


Tulio

[JohnH]

Oh man......I cannot believe this......I've been looking at his book ad....in Pacific Flyer yesterday or the day before and was thinking about sending a check to him for an autographed copy and I'd thought I'd better do it quick because of stuff like this....A shame.

John

I wrote to Jack Ilfrey on a couple of occasions seeking his autograph on some p-38 art, he was most gracious in honoring my request, my last communications with him were about a year ago when he again helped me with my art project and sent me a signed copy of his book.
I feel so fortunate to have met dozens of these great fighter aces and yet saddened that time is taking these great men from us. In a world where the use of the term "hero" has been so cheapened buy it's application to deeds that are common and to people that play "games" for a living we are blessed to have known such men. The great aircraft this site deals with are but cold and heartless machines. It is the men of valor that gave these machines life that we must never forget.
God Speed Jack
Gary

[Locobuster]

Gary, oddly enough my original contact with Jack was regarding an art project I was working on as well and, as you said, he was very gracious and accommodating. He was like that with everyone and, quite frankly, if it weren't for him (and a handful of other former 20th. Fighter Group personnel,) that group's history may have been nothing more than a historical footnote.

The amount of e-mails I have received concerning Jack's passing has been amazing, further proof that he touched alot of lives in his time on this earth.

Sadly time is taking these great veterans and much of the history they wrote...........
gary

God's Speed Jack. I was an honor to be your friend.

[Locobuster]

Autographed copies of Jack Ilfrey's excellent autobiography are still available through the P-38 National Association:

http://p38assn.org/aces/jack-ilfrey.htm