Birth date: Jan 22, 1937 Death date: Feb 24, 2022
John “Jack” Lavin, 85, of Spotsylvania passed away Thursday, February 24, 2022. Jack Lavin was an esteemed member of the Petroleum Community for over 50 years. He was the founder and managing director of the National Petroleum Ma Read Obituary
Jack told me, “Find passion in your job and you’ll never work a day in your life”. I believe with his profound passion for Fuels, he never worked a day in POL, yet he accomplished more for our Community than anyone I know. Jack, the visionary, brought the future of POL to the present in many ways, however, he always carried a passion for past POL Warriors. I recall the stories he shared with POLCATs during API trips, you could here a pin drop as we all listened.
Ruth, Jack’s spirit will always be with us and the lyrics below from the song “Memories by Maroon-5” captures it all.
“Here’s to the ones that we got
Cheers to the wish you were here, but you’re not
Cause the drinks bring back all the memories
Of everything we’ve been through
Toast to the ones here today
Toast to the ones that we lost on the way
Cause the drinks bring back all the memories
And the memories bring back, memories bring back you”
John 11:25 Jesus said to her,”I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die”.
Dear Jack,
Thank you for so many great memories, from the Clark AB, Philipines through today! Notwithstanding your POL guidance and leadership, I will never forget the many "side-talks" and the great times that our families shared together. My prayers are for Ruth and the rest of the Lavin family. God says that it is time to rest, my brother! You've done a great work on earth. .
"Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal."
Much, much love!
Sandra and Timothy Walls
P. S. Sonny passed away in December. He's there waiting.
I met Jack sometime around 1998 or 1999 when I join one of his creation Petrol Ram then at then Directorate of Aerospace Fuels now AFPET. When I met Jack back then he quickly made a impact in my life and I had the pleasure of working with him for nine years. Jack was amazing person and truly a POL legend that will never fade away. I’m sad to hear his passing but sure he’s met up with all the other POL guys in heaven and they having a hell of a time.
Knew Jack throughout much of my career. Jack was a great promoter & spokesman for our career field. His travels & exploits are legendary. He was a great leader in the POL career field
Cmsgt Charlie Jordan/Retired POL
I first met Jack as a newly assigned member of Petrol RAM and he took the time welcome me and encourage me to do great things for this great group of men and women…POL. Later I had a chance to talk with Jack for a few moment during Petrol 2000 or 2001 in Longbeach CA. He was really happy to hear I was on a group to rewrite USAF Petroleum Accounting instructions. I hope The Godfather is up there telling God what is great about us POL Troops. God Bless you Jack and may the Lord watch over your family.
Jack had the heart of a lion, the soul of an angle, the story telling ability that would make Mark Twain proud, and the wisdom and nobility of King Author. I knew Jack from 1976 as Jack from SAC from my time at Wurtsmith AFB. I met him for the first time in 1985 as we started down the path of FAMS and PetroRAM. I feel we had a special bond, but I suspect he made everyone he knew feel that way. It is said that it is not what you accomplish in life that is important, but what you leave behind. Jack left behind a great legacy, not just in accomplishments, but in the people he touched. He touched more people and made a difference in more people's lives than he knew. My friend, my mentor, my POL brother, you will be missed but never forgotten.
Terry M Scott, SMSgt, USAF, Retired
My treasured memories with Jack are many. I learned more about fuels management after arriving at the Pentagon and working closely with Jack than I learned the combined 20 years prior. I echo Mike Nelson’s comment about traveling with Jack on the American Petroleum Institute “Best Fuels Flight in the Air Force Competitions”. Of all the places I witnessed him work and interact, that was where he always had a little extra spring in his step and was most at home inspiring and mentoring the next generation(s) of POL troops. He LOVED leading the old school cheer, Let's hear it! P-O-L --- HUA!
Jack was a hero to every fuel handler who ever met him. He was a man blessed with foresight few have. From the death of 19 and ashes of the tank explosion at Osan AB, he created the PetrolRam program responsible for the automation of many refueling task. (ATG, automated service station, ADC/APOSD and overfill prevention to name just a few.) His vision to incorporate hydrant refueling with the R11 took nearly 40 years to come to fruition, but the Air Force has had that capability more than six years now. I had the pleasure of working directly for Jack for almost 15 years. One of my fondest memories is accompanying Jack on API best in Air Force evaluations. Jack loved being in the Fuels Flights asking questions and using the venue to teach complex operating principles. Jack made me a better fuels handler than I ever imagined I could be. There are many great people following in Jacks footsteps, but there will never be another Jack Lavin. Godspeed, Jack. We will miss you!
