John (Jack) P. Donlan Jr.'s Obituary
Jack Donlan passed away at home surrounded by his children on March 10, 2024.
Jack grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He was drafted into the Navy right out of high school in 1946. After two years of service, he was discharged and enrolled in DePaul University. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force and was discharged in 1955, remaining active in the US Air Force Reserve until 1967. In 1955, Jack applied to TWA and was hired by Howard Hughes. He flew for TWA for 35 years, acquiring over 30,000 hours flying a large number of aircraft from the Lockheed constellation to the 747-200. During his career with TWA he served 3 years as the pilot’s union local representative and 5 years as the chairman of the national pilot’s union ALPA. Jack retired to Belleair, Florida in 1986 with his wife, Barbara, who preceded him in death in 1996. Jack was active in his local community including on the Town of Belleair board and as Belleair’s mayor for 4 years. He also served on the board of the Salvation Army, and was a member of R.E.A.P. and the Power Squadron. In addition, Jack served as the president of the Belleair Country Club in 1999 and made several lasting changes that included hiring Ed Shaughnessy and the expansion of the upper dining and bar areas. His parents: John Sr. and Constance, brother George, sister-in-law Judy (Jim), and longtime companion Shirley Long preceded him in death. Jack is survived by two brothers: Bob and Jim, sister-in-law Mary (George), six children: John, Thomas (Pamela), Patricia, Paul, Sheila and Susan, 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He will be sorely missed.
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