Friday, November 6, 2026
Long-time Marco Island resident and World War II Army/Air Force veteran John “Jack” Babb, 99, passed away at home on February 19.
Jack is survived by his wife, Donna McNamara-Babb, daughter Kathleen Babb, Stepsons Patrick McNamara (Isabelle) and Mitchell Blumenfeld; Stepdaughters Kathleen McNamara-Hsu (Benjamin) and Gail Bennett (Hugh); Grandchildren Rosemary Hsu, Shannon Myshock (Jonny) and Donald McNamara.
Jack was born on Oct. 17, 1925, in Memphis, Tennessee, and attended Christian Brothers Boys High School. Upon joining the U.S. Army-Air Corps at age 17, Jack proved to be a quick learner and natural pilot, becoming an instructor for the legendary P-51 Mustang. His lessons included instruments, formation flying, aerobatics, and maneuverability, helping to prepare cadets for dog fights.
After Army discharge, Jack attended the University of Tennessee, later moving to Lexington Kentucky, where he founded Rio Grande Fencing. Retiring in 1991, he moved to beautiful Marco Island, Florida.
Jack had a lifelong love of aviation, including as a hobbyist who owned and piloted his own airplanes. In 2016, his passion came full circle when he attended a WWII Honor Flight from Florida to Washington, D.C. In later years he attended veterans luncheons at Wings South Air Park, as well as the annual Oshkosh, Wisconsin Air Show, where he was treated to a ride in a P-51 Mustang.
Jack was a long-time member of the Marco Cruise Club, where he and his wife, Donna, piloted their beloved trawler, the Belladonna, and developed many close friendships over the years.
Jack traveled extensively, including two flights on the Concorde, crossing the Arctic Circle and International Date Line. He flew over France in an air balloon and was a world cruiser. He kept a world map with push pins depicting his many travels, which often included remote areas.
Jack will be fondly remembered as a “southern gentleman” with a distinctive drawl, a wicked sense of humor, and a zest for life. He could often be found with a good book (he loved WWII historical thrillers) and a glass of wine. His family and friends salute him in his final journey. May God grant him eternal happiness.
A requiem mass will be held at San Marco Catholic Church on Marco Island at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 5.
March 27, 2025 Coastal Breeze News
