John W Snyder Jr.

Rear Admiral John (Jack) W. Snyder, Jr., age 81, passed away on Saturday, May 10, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Waco, Texas, to Jack Sr. and Eleanor Snyder (née Wallace), Jack was raised in Williston, North Dakota. The eldest of four siblings, he was a standout student and gifted musician during his youth. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1966 and, just days later, married Mary Claire Tole on June 11, 1966. Together, they welcomed two children: Beth (born in Pensacola, FL, in 1967) and Jay (born in Kingsville, TX, in 1968).

Known by the call sign “Gringo,” Jack served with distinction as a naval aviator during the Vietnam War, flying F-4 Phantoms in combat. Following his service in Vietnam, he was selected for the original F-14 Tomcat cadre (VF-1), cross-trained in the U.S. Air Force’s F-15 Eagle, and went on to command two fighter squadrons. A graduate of the Defense Systems Management College, Jack was widely recognized as one of the Navy’s finest fighter pilots and instructors. Over the course of his naval career, he logged more than 6,000 flight hours and completed 1,150 carrier landings—500 of them at night.

One of the most memorable chapters of his career came in 1985, when Jack served as the U.S. Navy’s liaison to the film Top Gun. He advised on the script’s technical accuracy and oversaw flight operations for the movie, with his own squadron flying many of the aerial sequences.

As a Navy captain, he led the F-14 program as a major Department of Defense program manager, overseeing the development, acquisition, and support of all U.S. Navy Tomcat aircraft from 1987 to 1991.

In 1993, Jack married his second wife, Dana Jeanne Miller (née Caruthers), and embraced his role as a loving stepfather to Preston and Justin Miller.

Jack’s exemplary service culminated in his promotion to flag rank— one of the first in his Naval Academy class to achieve the honor. His flag assignments included leadership roles at the Naval Air Systems Command and as Commander of the Naval Air Test Center in Patuxent River, Maryland. As Director of the Navy International Programs Office, he managed defense security assistance, international agreements, foreign military sales, and cooperative programs across the globe. He retired in November 1995 with the rank of Rear Admiral.

Following his military service, Jack transitioned to the private sector with continued distinction. He served as Vice President of International Business Development at Hughes Aircraft Company, and in 1999, joined Lockheed Martin to lead global market development and international strategic alliances in support of the company’s aeronautics initiatives.

Jack had many passions, but none as enduring as his love of golf. The sport brought him lifelong friendships and cherished time with family and fellow service members. He especially treasured Sunday rounds with Jay and his Navy friends at the Army Navy Country Club. A 26-year member of Burning Tree Club, he considered it a second home. In retirement, he also held memberships at Pine Valley Golf Club and Kinloch. With characteristic humility, Jack often marveled that a kid from North Dakota could be welcomed into such revered places.

When his beloved Dana passed away in 2019, it was the enduring love of his family and the support of his friends at Burning Tree that helped him through his grief.

Rear Admiral Jack Snyder leaves behind a legacy of service, honor, leadership, and friendship. He will be remembered not only for his achievements and distinguished service, but for his devotion and care for Dana, his wisdom as a mentor, and his loyalty as a friend.

Jack is survived by his sister Cathy Kelleher and her husband Rick; his brother Tom and his wife Carrie; and his youngest sister Lisa and her husband David. He is also survived by his daughter Beth and her children, Mae, Grace, and Troy; his son Jay and Jay’s son, Taylor; his stepson Preston and his wife Morgan, along with their children Reese, Harper, Wyatt, and Hudson; and his stepson Justin and his wife Karen, as well as Justin’s children Phoebe, Clementine, and Bo, and Karen’s Reid and Lawson

Please join us for a Celebration of Life honoring Rear Admiral Jack W. Snyder, Jr. Saturday, July 19th from 11AM-1:30PM at Washington Golf & Country Club