John (Jack) Barrett, 95, passed away on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017. Jack was born on Sept. 22, 1922, to George and Ethel Barrett in Arena, Wis. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, three brothers, one grandson and one great-great grandson. Jack is survived by his wife of 76 years, Jean; two sons, John and his wife Branka of Roswell, N.M., and Christopher of Freeland; three daughters, Susan and Jenny of Freeland, and Jean Mary and her husband John of Mount Vernon. He was also blessed with 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Jack was a business man who owned and operated JAX Auto Supply in Lynnwood during the 50s and early 60s. He came to Whidbey Island in the late 60s and established a branch office of Pacific NW Escrow Corporation, located in Freeland, which he later purchased and then renamed it Barrett Escrow. He and his daughter Jenny owned and operated this office for more than 45 years.

He enjoyed all sports especially watching baseball and football, and was a big fan of the Seattle Mariners and almost never missed one of their games.

Jack was a member of the Greatest Generation and flew 37 combat missions in WWII with the Army Air Corps as a P-47 and P-51 fighter pilot in Europe. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with five Bronze Stars, American Defense Service Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. He participated in the following battles and campaigns: Air Combat Balkans; Rhineland; Germany; North Appenines; Po Valley; Rome-Arno; Northern France; and Central Europe. Among his accomplishments during the war he was credited with destroying three locomotives and one air combat victory shooting down an enemy Me-109 Fighter Aircraft.

Unfortunately, the Greatest Generation is almost gone now. Dad was our hero and we love and miss him dearly. Your job is finished Dad, well done my good and faithful servant, rest In peace.

Services will be held Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018 at St. Hubert Catholic Church in Langley. The rosary will begin at 10 a.m. with a funeral mass to follow. There will be a graveside interment immediately following at the Langley Cemetery.

Barrett