ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Jack Cochrane, 91, born on July 7, 1926 in Huntington, WV and passed away on September 12, 2017 in Schenectady, NY. We will remember him forever.

Obituary- Jack Miller Cochrane

Jack was born at home July 7, 1926 in Huntington, WV and passed away September 12, 2017 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY at the age of 91. He is survived by his two sons and daughter-in-law: Michael and Nenita in Niskayuna, NY and Mark in Spartanburg, SC.

Jack was an only-child raised by his Mother, Grandmother and Aunt during the Great Depression. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and served in the North Pacific Theatre of WWII during 1944-1946.

Jack received a BS degree from Marshall University in Huntington, WV and later a Master’s Degree from the University of Dayton, OH. Jack was an avid Marshall Thundering Herd Football fan and attended games in Blacksburg, VA, Clemson, SC, Columbia, SC and Huntington, WV. He was often heard doing his impression of “The Rebel Yell”.

Jack married Betty Lou Hatfield in 1955 in Huntington, WV and they would later adopt two boys, Michael in 1960 and Mark in 1962, in Dayton, OH. Their family years included family vacations and camping trips. The boys participated in baseball, judo and wrestling. Jack was always there in the cheering section. Jack and Betty divorced in 1983 after 28 years of marriage and they remained close friends until Betty’s passing in 2010.

Jack’s career was with the U.S. Government. He served 37 years in Civilian Personnel for the Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH. Jack retired in 1988 and was presented with a Meritorious Civilian Service Award (The Highest Award in Civilian Personnel).

Jack moved to Charleston, SC (Folley Beach) in 1992 and would live there until 2010. He loved the ocean and the old southern-charm of the area. He made many friends there and many stayed in touch with him when he moved to NY to be near his family. Jack would hang out with his Marshall Football gang on Saturdays and he enjoyed jitterbug dancing and listening to live music.

In 2010, he moved to Coburg Village Retirement Community in Rexford, NY where he enjoyed independent living in a comfortable and secure environment. He made many good friends there, as well.

Jack will be remembered as a great father and friend. His quick wit and great sense of humor made him fun to be around. His charming style with a warm smile and West Virginia draw made him a true gentleman.

Jack accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and we know he is now resting peacefully and without pain in Heaven.

According to Jack’s wishes, his cremated remains will remain with family in NY and a Memorial Service will be held Thursday, October 12th at 2 PM at Coburg Village.

Those interested in sending flowers may do so to:

Coburg Village
c/o Jack Cochrane Memorial Service
One Coburg Village Way
Rexford, NY 12148    
(518) 371-5000.  

 

 

 

 

September 15, 2018
September 15, 2018
You were a good brother in law to me Jack & I will always remember your Big George when I talked to you. Kind hearted man & always loved our family reunions, I suppose because our family was so large & yours so small. Today ours isn’t so large as I am the only one left & think of you often. RIP Big George!
July 7, 2018
July 7, 2018
Jack was my best pal, and I miss him. Rest in peace brother.
October 10, 2017
October 10, 2017
Jack was our friend ever since I met him at Hdqs AFLC in June 1977. He was a proud West Virginian and was kind and friendly and hardly ever became angry. We spent a great deal of time together and loved it.
He was the team chief and therefore my boss when we went to ALC's
to get them ready for AF inspections, We were being sent to Kelly AFB San Antonio, Texas, to prepare them. The Director Robert Scott called us in to give us our instructions. Jack explained that it was going to be a really tough job. So he asked Scotty "What if we work hard but we can't get them a good score, do you want us to walk across the Mexican border, or do you want us to come home?" Scottie never answered that question!!

Jack and I knew he implied we should just go to Mexico! So while we were in San Antonio we checked into becoming citizens of
Mexico. Mexico almost gained two West Virginia hillbillies that day.

So many trips and such goodtimes with Jack. He had a great sense of
humor and was so fond of his family and always treated people
with respect. Not only a good person but a good American. We
will miss him. He can look down from heaven and know that.
September 29, 2017
September 29, 2017
I didn't know Jack personally but wanted to share a word of encouragement. From the comments I see he lived a very full and productive life. Take comfort in knowing he's now at rest. We look forward to a time when 1 Corinthians 15:26 is fulfilled that the last enemy death will be brought to nothing or eliminated. Until then deep sympathy--- Julia
September 28, 2017
September 28, 2017
Dear Michael and Nenita:

My condolences on the passing of your Dad. It was informative to get the obituary that outlined what a spirited and rewarding life he lead for 91 years.  I know he must have truly appreciated being close by you both during his twilight years. I imagine there were many good times to share along with the difficult times that stem from the declines that occur during the advancing aging process. How nice that he got to have his "own domain" with the assisted living facility. I am sure he appreciated that.

I am glad that I was able to meet him while he was in El Paso. (the included photo captures exactly as I remember his ready-smile and personality that radiated)  It was readily apparent, Michael, how proud he was of you and it was nice to see how close you both were. I know he will be missed, but that you can draw from his life well-lived.

With my sympathies,
John Swope
September 19, 2017
September 19, 2017
We remember all the times Jack came to El Paso to visit Michael. Those visits were the highlights of Michael's life. He always had a party at his house to celebrate Jack's visits. We remember what fun we had with Jack. Such a fun, happy man. We will see him someday when we all get to heaven. May God hold you in His loving arms, Michael, as you grieve his passing.

Love the pictures and all the information for each one. Usually these pictorials leave us wondering where and when all these happenings took place.
September 19, 2017
September 19, 2017
We had several excellent parties with Jack. One of the best was his 70th birthday. Didn't know what to get him so we teamed up with the Balls, got a tree branch and tied 70--$1 bills all over it-put it in a big bag and -gave it to him and told him" yes Jack, money does grow on trees and here is the proof"--It is one of our fondest memories with Jack. Jack was a fine friend,a gentleman, a very caring, generous person. He always said he was "here to help" and he lived it. He will be missed. All our love and condolences to Michael and Mark and all the family--Jim and Pat DeFrance
September 15, 2017
September 15, 2017
Dad,
You always had time for us and always told us you loved us. You will be dearly missed as a father and best friend. You were always there for us through the good times and tough times.
You brought so much happiness and joy to others and the lessons and values you taught us are with us today.
The pain and suffering is over and we know through your acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are now in heaven. I can just see you laughing and telling stories with your West Virginia draw.
Your Love and Memory with be with me forever.

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Recent Tributes
September 15, 2018
September 15, 2018
You were a good brother in law to me Jack & I will always remember your Big George when I talked to you. Kind hearted man & always loved our family reunions, I suppose because our family was so large & yours so small. Today ours isn’t so large as I am the only one left & think of you often. RIP Big George!
July 7, 2018
July 7, 2018
Jack was my best pal, and I miss him. Rest in peace brother.
October 10, 2017
October 10, 2017
Jack was our friend ever since I met him at Hdqs AFLC in June 1977. He was a proud West Virginian and was kind and friendly and hardly ever became angry. We spent a great deal of time together and loved it.
He was the team chief and therefore my boss when we went to ALC's
to get them ready for AF inspections, We were being sent to Kelly AFB San Antonio, Texas, to prepare them. The Director Robert Scott called us in to give us our instructions. Jack explained that it was going to be a really tough job. So he asked Scotty "What if we work hard but we can't get them a good score, do you want us to walk across the Mexican border, or do you want us to come home?" Scottie never answered that question!!

Jack and I knew he implied we should just go to Mexico! So while we were in San Antonio we checked into becoming citizens of
Mexico. Mexico almost gained two West Virginia hillbillies that day.

So many trips and such goodtimes with Jack. He had a great sense of
humor and was so fond of his family and always treated people
with respect. Not only a good person but a good American. We
will miss him. He can look down from heaven and know that.
Recent stories

The Storm

September 23, 2017

On December 15, 1945 the crew and the ship LST-543 were nearly lost in a winter
typhoon in the Yellow Sea. The ship had just dropped off Korean prisoners and were headed to China to transport Japanese prisoners back to Japan.The wind was 70 mph with 50 ft. waves snow and freezing rain. An entire chapter from Byder Wilde's book "A Ship Remembered" is devoted to this immense storm. All on-deck watches were canceled and all hands were ordered below deck because the conditions were so bad that any one falling overboard was doomed. As the storm subsided, the crew noticed a large crack in the ship's hull and as the book says, " a little longer in the storm and we would have gone to the bottom".   

College/Career

September 15, 2017

When I was in High School, Dad helped guide me into an education/career direction that he thought I would be good at and also like.

My senior year, he suggested I take some Business classes AND some Science classes, since I liked both. Science won.

He then heard about the Engineering Program at the University of Cincinnati that included the Co-op program working 18 months during the 5 year degree. He then

recommended Industrial Engineering since it had a Business/Operations orientation.He was right-on with his advice and it has served me well during my professional career. 

Dad was pretty smart!    
   

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