Pastor John T. (Jack) Race, 101, of Crystal Lake, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Clarks Summit Senior Living.

Born May 30, 1921 at Crystal Lake outside of Carbondale, PA, he was the son of the late Niles and Edith Thomas Race.

Jack was a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School, Carbondale, earned a diploma in Aeronautics in 1940 from a Pennsylvania State College program, and completed math and liberal arts courses at the University of Scranton in 1940. He also studied theology accredited by the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1979-1981.

Captain Race started his aviation career in 1942 as a flight instructor with Scranton Airways, Schultzville, PA. In February of 1943, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Air Force and flew with the Air Transport Command until October, when he was transferred to Europe as a pilot for the Chief of Staff for the British Army in Europe, flying an aircraft provided by General Eisenhower. On May 7, 1945, he was entrusted to be the pilot to fly into Germany and retrieve the general of the German Armed Forces High Command and take him to Reims France to sign the surrender documents that ended World War II in Europe.

Among his many awards and citations, Captain Race received the Royal Air Force Cross from the United Kingdom. He was also awarded the Bronze Star and a European Campaign Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster. After the war, he was designated Senior Pilot by the Air Force and Captain by the Air Force Reserve.

From 1946-1950, Captain Race flew as a crop-dusting pilot and a corporate sea plane pilot. 1950 marked the start of his 32-year career with Pan American Airways, during which he was stationed in Germany and Afghanistan. In his retirement, he became a licensed lay pastor and served as Interim Pastor at the Clifford Baptist, First Baptist of Abington and Trinity Baptist of Scranton. He also served as Chief Pilot for ORBIS International, a non-profit, humanitarian organization with a flying, teaching eye hospital. During his eight years as a volunteer pilot for ORBIS, Captain Race flew to 39 countries. In 2008, he was named elder statesman of aviation by the National Aeronautics Society, Washington, DC.

Jack is survived by his wife, Katherine Adams Race. They celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary on July 4, 2022. He is also survived by his daughter, Jacqueline DeNike and husband, Willam; son, John Race; 12 grandchildren: Robin Mizerak (Dave), Rick DeNike (Lisa), Wendy Hartman (Dave), Jill Tomaine (Mark), Chad DeNike (Heather), Stephanie Blumenthal (Dave), Jennifer DeNike (Markus), Teddy DeNike, Kirstie Swanson (Jeff), Josh Race (Jingyi), Emily Race Nemark (Charlie) and Jenna Race; 16 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, David Race in 1977; his brother, Donald Race in 2006 and grandson, Dennis DeNike in 2011.

The funeral was held Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. from the Trinity Episcopal Church, 58 River Street, Carbondale, PA, celebrated by Rev. William McGinty, pastor of Trinity Episcopal Church, and Rev. Bonnie Resseguie, pastor of the Clifford Baptist Church, Clifford, PA. Military honors were conducted at the church.

A viewing was held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church.

Arrangements were under the care of the Shifler-Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Clifford, PA.

In lieu of flowers, Jack has requested that we show generosity and kindness to one another, especially those in need of a helping hand. Also, monetary donations in his name can be sent to the donor's choice.