Jack Boyd Bryan

COLONEL JACK BOYD BRYAN
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron-01

Colonel Jack Boyd Bryan, a member of the United States Air Force Academy’s historic first graduating class, lived a life defined by unwavering devotion to his nation, his family, and his community. Born in Felt, Oklahoma, to Marvin Bryan, a school superintendent, and Ruth Bryan, a teacher, Jack grew up with two brothers, Pat and David (Bob). Raised in the Oklahoma Panhandle, he developed a steady character, a gentle nature, and a lifelong desire to become a pilot.

Before answering the call to the newly established Air Force Academy, Jack attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell. At age 21, he joined the pioneer Class of 1959 at Lowery Air Force Base in Denver. He graduated at the new Colorado Springs campus with 207 graduates in this historic First Class on the Long Blue Line. Known by his classmates in Cadet Squadron 01 for his Oklahoma roots and a signature "Will Rogers" temperament—never meeting a man he didn’t like—Jack earned a reputation for cheerfulness, industry, and steady camaraderie that followed him throughout his 30-year Air Force career.

MILITARY CAREER & COMBAT SERVICE
Upon commissioning in 1959, Jack completed flight training at Spence Air Base and Webb Air Force Base. He launched his operational flying career in the cockpit of the KC-135 Stratotanker with the 310th Air Refueling Squadron at Schilling AFB and the 305th Air Refueling Squadron at Bunker Hill AFB, serving as an Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot.

During the height of the Vietnam War in 1967, Jack deployed to Utapao Air Base, Thailand, with the 4258th Strategic Wing, executing vital aerial refueling missions for Operation Arc Light. He subsequently transitioned to the 42nd Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (TEWS) at Takhli Air Base, flying the EB-66 Destroyer as an operational and instructor pilot. In this high-risk role, he provided electronic reconnaissance and tactical jamming to protect allied strike packages from enemy air defense networks and surface-to-air missile threats. His combat bravery and aviation skill earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross and five Air Medals.

Transitioning into acquisition leadership, Jack earned a Master’s degree from George Washington University in 1971. He served in key defense management roles, including Chief of the F-15 Manufacturing Branch at Wright-Patterson AFB during the critical development phase of the F-15 Eagle, Director of Manufacturing Operations at Kirtland AFB, and Commander of the Defense Contract Administration Services Region (DCASR) in Dallas, Texas. He also served as Information Resources Manager for the Department of Defense in Dallas prior to his military retirement as a full Colonel in 1989.

COMMUNITY, FAMILY, AND PERSONAL LIFE
Jack met and married his first wife, Sharon, during his early service years, sharing 45 years of marriage and partnership. Together in Duncanville, Texas, they operated "Sharon’s Own Shop" from 1989 to 2009. Later in life, Jack married Elizabeth Joan Bryan, enjoying 17 cherished years of companionship. He was a loving stepfather to Larry, Christa, Lisa, and Dianna, and a devoted grandfather to 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Beyond his career, Jack was an active member of his community and pursued a wide range of hobbies. He was an avid Rotarian who made a point to attend local Rotary meetings wherever his travels took him, and he took great pride in maintaining his local chapter's honorary flags each year. His passions included RV travel across the country, building custom jewelry, restoring Corvair automobiles, and participating in square and round dancing.

Colonel Bryan passed away peacefully in Texas, leaving behind a proud legacy as an Academy pioneer, combat aviator, defense leader, and faithful family man.


REFLECTIONS FROM THE "FIRST CLASS"
"Jack, like another famous Oklahoman, Will Rogers, never met a man that he didn't like. His cheerfulness and his industry made him the ideal roommate."

— Polaris, 1959


EDUCATION


Oklahoma Panhandle State University Undergraduate Studies
U.S. Air Force Academy (1959) Bachelor of Science (Class of 1959, CS-01)
George Washington University (1971) Master's Degree (Post-graduate studies)

MEDALS & MAJOR AWARDS

• Defense Superior Service Medal (1)

• Distinguished Flying Cross (1)

• Meritorious Service Medal (2 / 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)

• Air Medal (5 / 4 Oak Leaf Clusters)

• Air Force Commendation Medal (2 / 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

1959–1960 Pilot Training Spence AB / Webb AFB
1960–1965 KC-135 Pilot 310th Air Refueling Squadron, Schilling AFB
1965–1967 KC-135 Aircraft Commander / Instructor Pilot 305th Air Refueling Squadron, Bunker Hill AFB
1967 KC-135 Aircraft Commander (Operation Arc Light) 4258th Strategic Wing, Utapao AB, Thailand
1968–1969 EB-66 Pilot / Instructor Pilot 42nd Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron, Takhli AB, Thailand
1969–1971 Post-Graduate Student George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
1971–1973 Deputy Production Management Division Detachment 42, AFCMD, St. Louis, MO
1974–1979 Chief, F-15 Manufacturing Branch Aeronautical Systems Division (ASD), Wright-Patterson AFB
1979–1983 Director, Manufacturing Operations Air Force Systems Command (AFSC), Kirtland AFB
1983–1989 Commander Defense Contract Administration Services Region (DCASR), Dallas, TX
1983–1989 Information Resources Manager Department of Defense, Dallas, TX