John "Jack" Hudson Jr.

John Logan (Jack) Hudson, Jr., of Hampton, Virginia, arrived on the early morning of November 22, 1930, raised by his earthly, Godly parents in the Westhaven section of Portsmouth, Virginia. In his early years he was surrounded by family and friends, experiencing love, joy, and peace, and learned many life principles. The family relocated to the Wythe section of Hampton, Virginia, when his father became employed at NACA Langley during the summer of 1941. Jack remained living in Wythe till his death. On June 20, 1942, Jack accepted Jesus Christ, God's only Son, as his Lord and Savior, securing eternal life for when earthly life ends in physical death. Now, joyfully, he is with his Lord, and reunited with Christian family and friends that have gone on before. God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who died and arose to live for us so that whether we are awake or asleep, we might live with Him. Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up just as you are doing in love. Jack is survived by four daughters and their husbands: Jeanette (Michael) Morris, Jeri (Wilson) Wickiser, Judy (Dennis) Parker, Joan (Ed) Threatt. He was blessed with ten grandchildren,11+ great grandchildren, and his brother, Judson B. Hudson and his wife Mary. Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Joyce Ann Dorner Hudson; parents, John L. Hudson and Rebecca Frances Hudson; brother, Jerry Hudson; and sister, Jenny Lou Hudson Covington. Jack's early education was at Westhaven Elementary, and later, the Hampton school system, Hargrave Military Academy, and William & Mary College. He completed the NACA/NASA apprentice program with honors as an instrument designer. After further courses, he received his mechanical engineer rating. On November 22, 1952, he married Joyce Ann Dorner. Jack was drafted into the Army in 1955 to serve as an aircraft mechanic for seven years -- two active, five inactive -- and was honorably discharged in 1963. Returning to NACA/NASA he completed 37 years of rewarding work, retiring in 1987. He has enjoyed life by working, playing, helping others, and participating in many athletic events, both playing and officiating. He opened a drive-in restaurant in the Mayflower Building for two years after his workday at NACA/NASA, but it became too time-consuming for a young family man. Jack faithfully served his Lord as a member of local Baptist churches: Westhaven, Riverview, Wythe Parkway, Ivy Memorial, and Liberty. Using his God-given talents and skills, he taught youth and adults; served as chairman of many committees; was ordained as a deacon in 1975; designed, constructed, and repaired church facilities; and worked in programs for family, friends, and churches as needs required. God blessed Jack with health, provision, peace, love, and gave him a heart for the concerns of family, friends, and others. He hoped that his accomplishments made life better for those he helped. With joy, Jack has gone to his eternal home and is with Jesus his Lord. As such, his passing should be a time for rejoicing. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 5th at 10:00 am until 11:00 am followed by a memorial service at Parklawn Memorial Park, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, Virginia 23666 at 11:00 am. Reverends Wilson Wickiser and Joe Hunt are officiating. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Liberty Baptist Church,1021 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, Virginia 23666, or CRU Military (Attn: Cru Military/Contributions /PO Box 628222/Orlando, FL 32862-8222. Please indicate your gift is for the ministry of Stephen Dorner). Parklawn Memorial Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Burial will follow the service at Parklawn Memorial Park.