Thomas Jean Sr.

Tom was born on January 14, 1938, in Iron River, Michigan. Hard work became part of his character at an early age, beginning at just seven years old when he started working in his father's sawmill. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Tom left home at sixteen and traveled throughout the United States working on pipeline projects, gaining the skills, independence, and resilience that would define the rest of his life.

In 1959, he returned to Iron River, where he met Nola. They married and soon welcomed their son, Thomas Jean Jr., followed by their daughter, Katherine. Together they built a life grounded in family, perseverance, and opportunity.

Tom's mechanical talents and inventive mind became evident through his work operating Lake States Engineering, where he established a reputation for problem-solving and innovation. Seeking greater opportunities for his family, and perhaps a little relief from Michigan winters, Tom moved his family to Kentucky in 1971. After working for several companies, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Jean Aviation Repair Company (JARCO) in 1987.

A machinist by trade and an aviator by passion, Tom's life's work reached new heights in 1992 when he purchased Bluelick Airport and its flying club. Under his leadership, the club grew to nearly 70 members and became home to almost 30 aircraft. During the week, Tom operated his machine shop; on weekends, he could often be found building, restoring, and maintaining airplanes. Aviation was more than a hobby for him. It was a calling.

Tom dedicated countless hours to helping aspiring pilots achieve their dreams, mentoring them and preparing them for their written examinations. Many pilots took their first steps into aviation because of his encouragement, knowledge, and willingness to teach. For those who knew him, Bluelick Airport was not simply a place he owned; it was an extension of who he was. He lived and breathed aviation, and Bluelick became a gathering place for friendship, learning, and community.

His commitment to service extended beyond aviation. Tom served in Emergency Management and Civil Defense and was a member of the Board of Directors for the local Fire Department. He believed strongly in supporting and strengthening his community.

Tom was known for his honesty, loyalty, and straightforward nature. You always knew where you stood with him. He was fiercely loyal to those he called friends and never hesitated to stand by his principles. One of his favorite sayings was, "When you are wrong, sit down. When you are right, stand ten feet tall." It was more than advice; it was the way he lived his life.

Tom's legacy can be found in his children, his friends, the business he built, the airport he nurtured, the aircraft he restored, the pilots he mentored, and the countless lives he touched along the way. He will be remembered as a man who built things that lasted: machines, airplanes, businesses, friendships, and a life well lived.

A small gathering will be held at a later time to honor his life.