Jack Darrell Sodergren

Cleveland and went on to Fenn College in Cleveland to study engineering. Jack enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War in 1952, and entered the Aviation Cadet Program in the Class of 54G. He graduated in 1954 and served with the 451st Fighter Day Squadron at Foster AFB in Victoria, Texas. He flew T-33s, F-80s, F-86s and F-100s.

While in Victoria, Jack met and was blessed to marry the former Katherine Ramas. They have two sons, Darrell and Christopher.

Jack joined Capital Airlines in 1957 after discharge from the Air Force. In 1961 Capital merged with United from which he retired in 1990. He flew the DC-3, DC-4, DC-6, DC-7 and Viscount before transitioning to jets in 1970. His initial B737 assignment was followed by B727 duty on which he remained after passing up a B747 bid to retain his Washington, D.C. base. Jack felt blessed to fly during the Golden Age of aviation. Passengers could easily enter the cockpit then. The Viscount 4 engine turboprop simply used a curtain to separate the cockpit from the well-dressed passengers . . . it was quite a treat to fly in those days!

Jack and his wife Kathy accomplished and celebrated much in their 69+ years together. His life and work revealed his conviction that the Christian decision requires Christian action. Jack was often engaged in civic matters to preserve and nurture our fragile Republic with ethically conservative emphasis. However, his faith called him to be liberal with his own time, talent, and possessions . . . and so he was.

Jack consistently enjoyed the outdoors with his family and friends; dinner outside, traveling, boating, personal flying and bicycling.

Many wonders consistently impressed Jack through the years; God’s creation and grace, the dutiful sacrifices of our predecessors, and Kathy’s loving industry. The divine encouragement of Philippians 4:8 filled Jack’s heart.

Jack is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons, Darrell and Christopher, and their families including 6 grandchildren, Cory, Ava, Leah, Kendall, Madelyn and Noah; and 1 great-grandson, Brennan. Jack is preceded in death by his grandson, Lucas.

Jack’s memorial services are planned for Friday, October 23, 2026 at Bay Presbyterian Church, 26911 South Bay Drive Bonita Springs, FL 34134 The family will receive friends starting at 10:30 with the Memorial Service starting at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception.

Jack’s Interment will follow at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108.

In lieu of flowers, request donations in remembrance of Jack to either: Bay Presbyterian Church, 26911 South Bay Drive Bonita Springs, FL 34134 (239) 498-9055 or Samaritan’s Purse (Founder Franklin Graham), PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 (828)262-1980 501C3