John Earl Lackey passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at his beloved beach home in Wildwood, New Jersey. He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and raised in Gore, Oklahoma.

John attended Northeastern Oklahoma State University, where he earned a degree in mathematics education. After a brief time teaching high school, he joined the United States Navy and became an accomplished naval aviator. He proudly completed three tours in Vietnam flying the E-2 Hawkeye and achieved more than 100 successful aircraft carrier landings while serving aboard the USS Ticonderoga, USS Bon Homme Richard, and USS Kitty Hawk. He retired from the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. 

In addition to his military service, John began a distinguished career with Northwest Airlines in 1968, flying for more than 30 years before retiring in 1999. He captained aircraft as large as the Boeing 747-200 and was known throughout his career for his professionalism and commitment to safety. It was at Northwest Airlines where he met the love of his life, Claire, who also enjoyed a long career with the airline. They married in June 1976 and shared nearly 50 devoted years together. 

John loved Phillies baseball, Eagles football, boating, model trains, his dogs, and fixing anything that was broken. He was a member and past Commodore of the Cape Coral Cruise Club and spent many happy days boating with Claire aboard their beloved 40-foot Silverton, Claire E. He cherished winters in Southwest Florida and summers at the Jersey Shore. 

Above all, John loved his family deeply. He is survived by his loving wife, Claire; his children, Joseph and his wife Elena, Jeffrey and his wife Erin, Kristina, and Tracy; and his cherished grandchildren, Allison, Ryan, Alex, and Jade. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing  Monday, June 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a service at 11 am  at Ingersoll-Greenwood Funeral Home, 1201 Central Ave., North Wildwood, NJ  08260

In a final reflection of the love that defined his life, John’s last words before going to bed Tuesday evening were simply, “I love you,” spoken while looking into his wife’s eyes.