AGE: 80
MIHELICH, Jack H.
Paw Paw
Jack passed away suddenly Saturday evening, May 25, 2013 at this home. He was born May 6, 1933 in Paw Paw the son of the late Peter and Evelyn (Neumann) Mihelich, Sr. He was a graduate of Paw Paw High School Class of 1952 and attended Michigan State University and Western Michigan University and obtained a Bachelor's degree. He joined the U.S Navy as an aircraft pilot and made his first aircraft landing on the USS Saipan. He retired from the navy and then was called back to duty for the Cuban Missile Crisis as an air combat instructor. He was affectingly known as the "screamer" to his students. During his career he enjoyed flying the P2-V tracking Russian submarines. After a 24 year career with the U.S Navy he was employed by Capital Airlines as a pilot which was later bought by United Airlines. He retired in 1979 from United Airlines after 20 years and had flown DC 8, DC 10, 727, 737,and 747 airplanes. After moving back to Paw Paw, Jack ran for the Michigan House of Representative in 1988 and was known as "No Tax Jack". Jack's hobbies were fast cars and airplanes. While stationed at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, Jack met Ester DeLaTorre whom he married on June 4, 1960 in San Juan, Puerto Rico who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Timothy J. Mihelich of Paw Paw and John P. Mihelich of North Ridge, CA; nephew, Mark P. Mihelich of Hidden Hills, CA; aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother, Peter F. Mihelich on July 29, 2012. Family will receive friends Wednesday, (5/29) 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw where a vigil service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Paw Paw with Rev. Fr. Joseph Xavier celebrant. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. with full military honors. Memorial contribution a may be made to the American Heart Association or Wounded Worriors Project.