Major John A. (Jack) Hockaday, USMC, of DeLand, Florida passed away on November 8, 2023. Born on December 8, 1945, in Jacksonville, Florida, he was the son of Alyce Arnold Hockaday and John William Hockaday, both now deceased.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Shan Tatum. He is survived by his brother Chuck (Tom) Hockaday, and his sisters Julie Hockaday Deaton and Jan Hockaday Bodin.

Jack served as a helicopter pilot in the Marine Corps and was a proud Vietnam veteran. While he was in the Marine Corps, he escorted Miss Costa Rica during her time competing in the Miss Universe pageant. Following his distinguished military service, he was a professional helicopter pilot and a merchant marine captain, both of which extended his love of flying and of being on the water. His professional flying and boating careers took him to many interesting places where he met and knew Jimmy Buffett, Buz Aldrin and John Glenn.

Jack was a generous and honorable man who deeply loved his family and his friends, and he was proud of his service to his country.