John Henry Safford

How do you measure the true value of a man?  If you measure it with the amount of love and respect that one received from his grandchildren, then John Henry Safford, or Grandpa Jack has set an extremely high bar for us.

John “Jack” Safford was born in Wisconsin in 1923 and was drafted into the Army Air Corps (Air Force) in 1942.  He was sent to Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho where he began training crews for the B-24 Liberator. The first group to do so was the 470th Bombardment Group (Heavy).

Jack was tasked with “putting the right man in the right seat”.  At that time, some people were either too big or too small for certain seats in bombers, so Jack was one of the trainers who assigned those seats.  He also consulted on design changes for several different bombers throughout the war.

Jack was discharged in 1945 and returned home to Wisconsin where he married his childhood sweetheart, Martha. They were married over 45 years until her passing in 1991.

His love of airplanes never went away. Jack designed and built rubber band powered free flight airplanes and won several Florida state titles.

Jack is the proud father of three, grandparent of nine and great grandfather of three with one more on the way!

Jack became a tinsmith in his father’s heating business. He went on to become a sheet metal worker and superintendent for Carrier Corporation and later Downey Heating.  In 1960 he was hired to start the sheet metal division of Paul J. Grunau Company. He had hoped to attend their 100th Anniversary party in 2020, he almost made it!

Our dad was one of a kind! He was a true WWII vet – greatest generation – tough guy.  Yet at his core, he was one of the sweetest and gentlest men a person would ever meet.  He loved his family more than anything. He was so proud of his children. Once he drew a picture of what he wanted on his tombstone, all it had on it was “III Masters degrees”. To him, his greatest achievement was his children’s success.

His greatest lesson to us was not making excuses. Obstacles were challenges to be overcome.  Despite losing his wife 28 years ago and then becoming legally blind, he charged full speed ahead living life to the fullest.  He spent those years traveling, getting a tattoo, attending his grand kids sporting and school events and going to just about every party and event possible.

This past month we have been astounded by the amount of people who have told us he had inspired them.  The amount of love and respect has been amazing!

Dad…95 years was an awesome run, enjoy your next adventure and give mom a hug from us!

John (Jack) Henry Safford, WWII Veteran

04/03/1923 – 01/20/2019

Born in Berlin, WI

Married to Martha Marker Safford

Predeceased by:​Ray Safford (Father)

​Laura Brisky Safford (Mother)

​Robert (Cee) Safford, (Brother)

Survived by children:​Jo-Anne Kelly

​Jon Ingle (Robert)

​Scott Safford (Jacki)

Grandchildren:​Mark Kelly (Christina)

​Conner Safford (Ria)

​Casee Safford

​Cooper Harris (Ryan)

​Michael Ingle

​Sarah Ingle

​Kristin Niman (Mike)

​Shawn May

​James May

Great Grandchildren:​Landry Safford

​Sawyer Safford

​Remy Harris

​the future John (Jack) Safford

Brother:​James Safford (Marti)

Sister-in-law:​Marion Schneider (Dave)

He is also remembered by Dr.Darbie Safford and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Former member of:​The Kettle Moraine Curling Club

​Nagawicka Lake Yacht Club

​Florida Modelers Association

​American Modelers Association (AMA)

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Hope Hospice (Fort Myers, Florida) or to a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held in Fort Myers Beach, FL. A private service will be held in Wisconsin later this year.