John Morin

John M. "Jack" Morin,, 86, an Agawam resident for 60 years, died Saturday, May 3, 2008 at Mercy Hospital. Born June 20, 1921 in Chicago, IL, he was a son of the late Earl H. Sr. and Loretta (McCoy) Morin. He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago in 1938, and studied at Northwestern University.

Jack enlisted in the armed services and was called to duty in March 1942 as an Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet. He was deployed to Italy in January 1944 and was in command of a B-24 with the 758th Squadron, 459th Bomb Group of the 15th Air Force.

Jack was a recipient of numerous certificates and citations including the Certificate of Valor in recognition of courageous service in area combat for flying 25 missions over enemy territory, along with the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Bronze Battle Star for the Italian Campaign.

Upon returning to the United States he married Mary A. "Mickey" Meaney June 24, 1944 in Springfield, MA. Following his discharge from active duty in 1945, he joined Trans World Airlines (TWA), and was a pilot for 35 years retiring as a Boeing 747 Captain.

Besides flying, Jack enjoyed spending winters with his wife, Mickey in Palm Springs, CA, and spending time at their summer home in Wellfleet on Cape Cod. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, and traveling. He was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church in Agawam, and was a member of the Mawaga Club of Agawam and former Catholic Men's Club. Jack is survived by his sons John T. and his wife, Kathleen of New York City, NY, Robert H. and his wife, Edith of Middletown, RI, William E. and his wife, Kathleen of Suffield, CT, and Mary L. Zajac and her husband, Robert of Agawam; grandchildren Michael F. Morin and his wife, Kerry of Bellingham, MA, Kelly F. Morin of Essex Junction, VT, Robert E. Zajac and Mary K. Zajac, both of Agawam; step grandchildren Katie Perry and Michael Johnson both of Suffield, CT, and Alex Beckers of CA; and one great granddaughter Hailey Rose Morin of Bellingham. He will also be missed by his sisters Betty Pieroth of Glendora, CA, Marilyn Leamy of Columbia, SC, and Nancy Adams of Reading, CA; and sister-in-law Doris Morin of Crowne Point, Indiana. He also leaves his friend and caregiver Jen Holloway of West Springfield, MA; and other loving relatives and friends. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Mary A. "Mickey"; his son "Ricky" in 1964; and his brother Earl H. "Howie" Morin.

2nd Lt John M Morin was assigned to the 459th BG 758th Squadron.

The following information on John Morin is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on 2nd Lt Morin. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to John Morin's military record please contact us.