John Franklin "Jack" Wilson, USAF Major Retired, 80, of Jacksonville went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 7, 2025. Jack was born September 9, 1945 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Robert F. and Virginia M. (Bean) Wilson. Mr. Wilson was a proud and distinguished Vietnam veteran with more than twenty years of honorable and dedicated service to his country. Major Wilson spent many years as a C-130 pilot and flight instructor. After his retirement from the Air Force, he went on to work for Lockheed Martin where he worked on the C-130 simulation program. In addition to his service to his country, Mr. Wilson was also a longtime attendee of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church. He enjoyed camping, fishing and his dogs, but was always happiest spending time with his family. He will always be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by a brother, James Wilson

Major Wilson earned numerous accolades for his service to his country including, the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Metal, Air Medal with two Silver and one Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal just to name a few.

Left to continue his legacy are his loving and devoted wife of fifty-five years, Margaret "Peggy" (Markowski) Wilson; children, Jeff (Katie) Wilson of Salem, Jonathan Wilson of Washington; grandchildren, Sarah Wilson, Madalyne Wilson, Abigail Wilson, John T. Wilson, Lillian Wilson; and great granddaughter, Adeline Romero. Other survivors include brothers, Charles (Beverly) Wilson of Washington, Steve (Jan) Wilson of Texas, Joe (Sue) Wilson of North Carolina; and sister-in-law, Claudette Wilson of Alabama along with a host of extended family and many friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 23, 2025 at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church. Interment with military honors will follow at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the church followed by a Rosary at 5:00 p.m.

Memorials in Mr. Wilson's memory may be made to a charity of your choosing.