Joseph Frederick Kucklick

Joe grew up in Olmstead Falls, Ohio. He graduated from Bowling Green State University and later attended law school at Western State University in San Diego, CA.

Joe served in the military for 6 years during which time he was an Army Pilot and had 3 tours in Vietnam. In 1969, he was hired by Eastern Airlines where he began his commercial aviation career. In 1976, Joe met his wife JoAnn, who was a flight attendant, the love of his life and his best friend. He was with Eastern until their demise in 1990. Joe flew many different aircraft during his career, his favorite being the L1011. During his tenure with Eastern, he and JoAnn lived in Miami and Merritt Island, Florida but spent a good deal of time in Utah and Colorado, where Joe had a land development company.

Joe was a gifted athlete and sports played a major role throughout his life. He developed a love for golf at an early age, caddying at Columbia Hills Country Club in Cleveland. As a child, Joe was a competitive equestrian and played many sports. In high school he played basketball and football and was offered scholarships for both. He chose to play football for Bowling Green where he was also on the tennis and diving teams. In the military, he played handball and golf and was on the rifle team. While working for Eastern, Joe became an expert snow skier and was on Eastern’s racing team, competing with other airlines all over the world.

In 1997, Joe and JoAnn moved to Jacksonville. Joe retired and kept very busy with outside activities, particularly golf. He loved living at Deercreek and entertaining the many wonderful friends he made there. Joe will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His beautiful smile, sense of humor and zest for life will be in our hearts forever.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; daughter, Stephanie Kucklick-Guerrero; grandchildren, Ivy Guerrero and Liam Kucklick-Guerrero; numerous nephews and nieces, and his beloved pets, Stinky and Clancy.

Special Thanks to: Otilia Cruz for her loving care during Joe’s illness; Dr. Choisser for his support and medical expertise; Martin Sanguinette, massage therapist and special friend; and, our team at Community Hospice and Vitas.

A Celebration of Joe’s Life with full military honors will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16 at Deercreek Country Club, 7816 Mc Laurin Rd. N. Jacksonville, FL 32256. Due to restrictions at our venue, children are unable to attend.

The family asks that any donations be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32257.