John M. ‘Jack” Gifford, CDR USN (RET), a resident of Spanish Fort, Alabama, died Sat., Nov. 2, 2024, at the Alabama State Veterans Home in Bay Minette, Alabama. He was 82 years old. Born May 22, 1942, in Rochester, New York to John Salisbury and Doris Milligan Gifford, he was a graduate of Newark Central School (1960), Newark, New York. He earned degrees from Paul Smith’s College in New York, SUNY (Oswego, New York) and Auburn University.
Jack completed his flight training at N.A.S. Pensacola and served over 21 years as a Naval Aviator, retiring in 1985 as a Senior Naval Officer. During his time in the military, Jack served abroad the USS Independence, USS Saratoga and the USS Enterprise. He flew carrier-based E2 Tracker Hawkeye and F4 Phantoms. He often noted that he made over 200 successful arrested landings.
Jack was assigned command of Naval Reserve Centers in New York State and in Alabama. He served as an Admiral’s Aide at Naval Air Station, Glenview, Illinois, before returning to flight operations in the Pacific. He flew land-based anti-submarine P3 Orion planes in VP6 (Hawaii, Guam and Okinawa) and VP-94 (New Orleans). Commander Gifford’s last assignment post was at the Air Force Staff and Command College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama, where he served as Navy liaison/director and faculty instructor. When anyone would thank Jack for his military service he would always reply, “my pleasure”.
Jack’s enthusiasm and energy led him to participate in MOAA (Military Officers of America Association), serving as president of the over 700 member Montgomery, Alabama chapter. Later, he became a charter member of the south Baldwin County, Alabama MOAA. He was a life member of both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5660.
A 40-year Kiwanian (Montgomery, Vestavia-Hoover, Daphne-Spanish Fort), Jack served as a distinguished club president and a lieutenant governor. His ability to organize and promote fundraisers resulted in large donations to community projects for local children.
Following retirement from the US Navy in 1985, Jack became a financial planner where he was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table. He enjoyed helping others plan for their future retirement.
Jack was a member of Spanish Fort United Methodist Church, where he participated in the choir. His love of music was a family affair as his maternal grandfather was a piano tuner/musician and his mother was a church organist and choir director. He was also a member of the Navy’s Blue Jacket Choir.
Jack is survived by his wife Marcia Facer Gifford; his daughters, Tara Gifford (Jack) of Gulf Shores, Alabama and Dana Jones (David) of Wetumpka, Alabama; stepdaughters, Jennifer Ahrend (George) of Spokane, Washington and Christine Clouse (Jonathan) of Elgin, Arizona; brothers, Will and David Gifford; and ten grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Sat., Nov. 23, 2024, at 2 P.M., at Westminster Village, 500 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort, Alabama. A private burial will take place at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Daphne-Spanish Fort Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 2001, Daphne, AL 36526. Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, Alabama 36526. 251-621-5890. hughesfuneralhome.org.
