Jack Charles Fredenburg

Jack Charles Fredenburg, age 92, of Montgomery, AL passed away on July 19, 2013. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Jean (Champion). He leaves to cherish his memories, 2 brothers: Glenn Fredenburg and Bob Fredenburg; his daughter, Joan (Lee) Conner; his son, Michael "Toby" (Teresa) Fredenburg; 10 grandchildren: Kimerlee (Carl) Conner-Lindquist, Ryan (Darcy) Conner, Matthew (Jessica) Conner, Shane (Susie) Fredenburg, Shawn (Kari) Fredenburg, Tracy Thornbury, Kimberly (Alex) Christ, Freddy (Rachel) Thornbury, Casey (Crystal) Thornbury, Rebecca (Justin) Smith; 32 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-granddaughters.

Jack was born on July 3, 1921 and raised in Beaver Falls, New York. Driven by his passions for flying and commitment to serve his Country he joined the Army Air Corps in 1941 and graduated from pilot training in Dothan, Alabama. Subsequently assigned to India, he flew 168 combat missions over treacherous terrain and in dangerous weather conditions over the rugged Himalayas supporting forces in China, an extremely challenging and life-changing experience known as "flying the hump". During his flying assignments, he logged time as an instructor, bomber and transport pilot. His Air Force career included tours in Alabama, South Carolina, Newfoundland, Florida and Germany. Jack was a distinguished graduate and Commandant's Award winner at the AF NCO Academy. During his distinguished military career he served as an officer and NCO and earned the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. After his retirement from the Air Force in 1967, Jack and Jean settled in Montgomery and he began and completed another career with the Hudson Thompson Company.

Jack was a doer and not just a joiner as he served his community with the same dedication and gusto that marked his years with the Air Force and Hudson Thompson. He was an active member of Whitfield United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir and with the Merry Elders singing group. He also was a member of the Montgomery Area Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, the VFW and the American Legion. Notably he was awarded the coveted 60 year pin as a Master Mason. In 2002, he was named and recognized as a Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA) Senior of Achievement for delivering meals on wheels, participating in building projects for Habitat for Humanity and the Sunshine Center and volunteering in the prison ministry at Mount Meigs. Typical of his willingness to unselfishly give of his time and money to help people in need, he gathered produce from the curb markets and delivered it to the Friendship Mission every week. Similarly, he worked with the abused women's shelter in Montgomery where he and his friends searched for and obtained furniture to furnish apartments for the needy women.

Jack's life was a testimony to his total commitment to his Lord and Savior as evidenced by his passion for The Gideons. A faithful member for over 40 years, he played a major role in helping distribute hundreds of thousands of Bibles to military personnel entering service, graduating high school and college students and nurses at graduation, as well as placements in hotels, motels, hospitals, prisons and doctor's offices. His impact was extraordinary considering each Bible had the potential of reaching 2,700 people. It is no wonder wherever Jack went people would say "I know you, you're the Bible Man". Not only did he give Gideon presentations in churches throughout Alabama but he held every camp office many times. His every action and deed confirmed he was the real deal, an honest and true servant of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who led many people to Christ while always giving credit to his God. Without question, by his example he taught everyone how they should live their lives.

Jack Fredenburg "never met a stranger" and will forever be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, his devout religious faith and sense of conviction, his constant "the glass is always half full" approach to life (in his case he almost always thought it was full, no matter what the circumstances!!) and absolute positive attitude. In a nutshell, he was the handsome, mustached guy with the infectious and memorable smile who believed he could conquer the world and do almost anything.

A memorial service will be held at Whitfield UMC on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 11:00 AM to be followed by a graveside service with military honors at Greenwood Cemetery at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideons International or to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be made to www.whitechapel-greenwood.fh.com