John Edward Freer

John Edward "Jack" Freer was born May 2, 1919 in New York, NY and died March 12, 2014 at his home in Eustis, Florida. Jack was well respected and very accomplished in many ways but most notably as a pilot. He flew for 36 years for Pan American World Airways and retired as a Captain in 1979. After retiring, he built and flew his own private airplane, a Glasair III. Jack had many accomplishments during his career in flying, some of which put him in harms way--including flying injured pilots out of North Africa in WWII, the Berlin Airlift and flying in and out of Vietnam as part of Pan Am's commitment to flying soldiers for R & R. Jack was one of the true pioneers of the aviation industry. Being a Pan Am pilot afforded him the thrill of flying all over the world, including all over Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, North America, India (over “The Hump”) and Africa--including many delicate, hazardous landings in the islands of South America.
The span of Jack’s career was nothing short of amazing. He had models of airplanes hanging from his ceiling as a little boy and started out flying by training on Ryan and Stearman biplanes, which were open cockpit and open cowl engined two seaters--and retired as one of the first ten pilots rated on the Boeing 747 "Jumbo Jet" airliner. Pan Am was the first company to purchase and fly this new and dramatic airplane, which could seat 416 passengers. Jack’s reputation among his flight crews was one of extreme professionalism and strict adherence to rules and regulations to insure the safety of all on board. (His training students nicknamed him “Spike” due to his stern insistence on attention to detail.) He was a true Captain; in charge of his ship--and took that responsibility very seriously.
There was very little Jack pursued in life that he didn’t do well. Strong and athletic, he was an accomplished tennis player and was able to build most of the many homes he made for his family, from New York to Miami and North Carolina and finally in Eustis. His work ethic was legendary and he was skilled at almost every aspect of building--from carpentry, electrical, masonry and landscaping. He was able to repair his own cars on his own and even re-painted a few along the way. Jack was always either working on a project or planning the next one.
Jack was a true provider for his family, who will miss him terribly. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 70 years, Ruth of Eustis and son Douglas Freer and wife Jackie of Round Rock, Tx, daughter Dawn Freer and husband Peter Stein of Stanfordville, NY, son John Eric "Rick" Freer and wife Eva of Knoxville, Tn. He is also survived by granddaughters Alison Freer of Los Angeles, Ca., Ellen Freer of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl., Katherine Freer of New York City, grandsons Paul Freer of Round Rock, Tx. and Nicholas Stone of Stanfordville, NY, sister Jeanne Keller and nieces Barbara Skibell and Laurie Zitzer. He was predeceased by parents Frank and Lucretia Freer and brother William Freer and granddaughter Jennifer Freer.