Jack Monroe Stockton

Jack attended Centennial High School, where he participated in ROTC. He graduated in early 1944 and, at age seventeen, enlisted in the Coast Guard to join the efforts in World War II. In February 1945, he shipped out to serve on a tanker in the South Pacific. Jack was recognized as an expert rifleman and was appointed as a gunner, achieving two confirmed defenses against Kamikaze attacks during his service. He often remarked humorously about the challenges of firing at enemy planes. Jack was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard on May 6, 1946, then joined the Navy Reserves from July 21, 1950, to July 21, 1954.

After the war, Jack earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western State University and obtained his pilot’s license in May 1947. He nurtured a passion for aviation, frequently flying across Colorado with his close friend Jack Donley and pursuing interests including coyote hunting. Jack began his professional career at the Pueblo Army Depot in December 1950, working in the Personnel Office. Over a tenure spanning more than three decades, he received numerous accolades for his contributions and retired in 1983 as Chief of Personnel and Labor Relations.

Jack met Emma Jean Rogers on a blind date and proposed three weeks later. They married in May 1951, enjoying forty-two years together until Jean’s passing in 1993. Jack’s interests included flying, skiing, hunting, fishing, horsemanship, and especially mules—a passion inspired by his grandfather, a Missouri mule breeder. He owned two mules later in life.

Jack was a longstanding member of both the Elks and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Jack built his family home on 29th Street as well as a cabin in San Isabel. Gifted in craftsmanship, he excelled in woodworking, tile work, cabinetry, and mechanics. Jack raised two children, Roger Stockton and Pamela Stockton. After Jean’s death, he married Mary Lou Saunders; their marriage lasted twenty-two years until her passing.

He is survived by his sister, Patricia Hart; daughter, Pamela Stockton; stepchildren, Rob Saunders and De Ann McWilliams; and grandchildren, Walker Stockton Mehess and Jacklyn M. Stockton. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Louis Mattews, Bob Owens; sister-in-law Mary Stockton; son-in-law Rick Kasuda; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Donations in his memory may be made to Safe Landing Horses Rescue. 7005 Cooper Grove Black Forest, CO 80908 or https://www.safelandinghorserescue.com