| Notes |
- Medical: Accute myocardial infraction, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and diabetes.
JOHN EDWIN STAFFORD, born January 25, 1924 in Bristow, Oklahoma and died August 27 1997 in Pampa, Texas. He was buried August 30 in Pampa, Texas in Fairview Cemetery. John married Joveda Kendrick, October 5, 1943 in San Diego, California. Jo was born November 23, 1926, in Mountain View, Arkansas.
Johns (Jack) family moved from Bristow, Oklahoma to Earlsboro, Oklahoma in 1926. He startedschool there in 1932. They moved to Wetumka, Oklahoma in 1933, where he attended grades 3-4-5 at Mingo. From there they moved to Hughes county line, Oklahoma in 1936, where he attended grades 6-7-8 at Lawnwood school and was salutatorian in the 8th grade. He graduated from Bearden High School and was VP of the senior class of 1943.
I have a copy of my dad's WW11 military records. He enlisted July 01, 1943 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His physical examination states he was 71 inches, 126 pounds, blue eyes, brown hair, and ruddy complexion. He had 20/20 vision and was in good health.
Jack was in the navy with the rank of coxswain or 3rd class petty officer, from 01 July 1943 to December 4, 1945. Jack served on the USS President Monroe and drove a landing craft. He was assigned to landing craft school in San Diego, CA. September 01 to October 23 1943.
On October 26, 1943 he reported to the USS President Monroe in San Francisco. They crossed the equator and international date line on November 26 and he was initiated into the solemn mysteries of the deep and pronounced a qualified shellback and member of the realm of the Golden Dragon.
Jacks military records state he was on board during invasion of the Gilbert islands, landing the troops at Apamama Atoll, and in of removal of first assault troops from Tarawa, November 18 to December 11, 1943; successful invasion and occuption of Kwajalein Atolls in the Marshall Island group, January 23 to February 14, 1944; participated in landing of first assault troops in the successful invasion of the most heavily fortified islands of Engebi, Eniwetok, and Parry in the Eniwetok Atoll, most northern and western part of the Marshall Islands, February 15 to February 25 1944; courage and devotion to duty displayed in the assault landing operations against the enemy during the invasion of the island of Guam, July 21 to July 26, 1944, contributed to the success of this operation and defeats sustained by the enemy. February 25 to July 21, 1944 duty unknown. Two weeks in August home on leave for first time, then reporting back to duty and shipping out in October. Jo went back with him and stayed until he shipped out. November 1944 to January 11, 1945 duty unknow
1945…was a crew member in the landing operations against the enemy during the invasion of Luzon Island, Philippine Islands in the Lingayen gulf area, January 11 to 15, 1945, and during the return of the ship from the combat zone with major engine trouble to a safe port, the courage and devotion to duty displayed by him were in keeping with the highest traditions of navel service.
1945…April 15 to May 19, May 19 to June 19, June 19 to July 12, July 12 to July 25, transferred for duty with staff. July 25 to August 19 unknown duty; August 19 transferred for temporary duty as ambulance driver, on USS Lst 648. He entered Sagami Wan, Japan August 27, 1945 and Tokyo Bay, Japan August 30, 1945. Also participated in initial landings at Yokosuka, Island of Honshu, Japan. On September 01, he was transferred to commander task activities ashore, Yokasuka area for duty. He served in occupation forces September 02 to September 08, 1945 in temporary duty and permanent duty from September 08 to November 10, under the commander U.S. Fleet activities, rendering valuable assistance in the task of establishing, organizing and maintaining this activity. On November 10, he was transferred to port director, Yokosuka for transfer to nearest naval receiving station on the west coast for processing and separation from the naval service.
He had an honorable discharged December 04, 1945 in Norman, Oklahoma. His serial number was #8486107. Vessels and stations served on: USNTS, San Diego CA.; Landing Craft School; USS President Monroe; adcomphibspacsuborcom [staff] navy 926; adcomphibspac. Marianas [staff] navy 926; USS lST 648 *#34; *#24; ctg 31.7 [comtaskflot 2]; and Flag Comtaskflot 2 [temp duty]. Ranks he held: as; s2c; slc; and coxswain.
After he was discharged, he joined his wife and daughter in Okemah, Oklahoma.
He signed up with the Oklahoma National Guard 05 October 1949 and his unit [sv co 180 inf 45th Inf div] was called up in August 1950. He was stationed at Camp Polk, LA before being sent to Korea and discharged may 08, 1952 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
During the Korea conflict he was Sgt. First class, Supply Sgt. Inf. and his army serial number was #ng25 711 175. He was awarded the army occupation medal [Japan], Korean service medal w/1 bronze campaign star, un service medal and combat infantry badge. His discharge papers describe him as six foot - gray eyes - brown hair - and 170 lbs. He was very proud of being a vetern of World War 11 and serving in the Korean Conflict.
After being discharged, in May 1952 the family moved to Borger, Texas where Jack went to work for Phillips Petroleum company. They move to Pampa in 1953 and lived there for the next 33 years where he retired from Phillips as a supervisor. Jo retired from the food service department in the Pampa School District in 1985. Jack was very active in the boy scouts for many years and was ordained as a deacon in the First Baptist Church in 1971.
Jack was diagnosed as a diabetic in 1975. In October 1985 they moved to Okemah, Oklahoma to be close to Jo's mother and dad. After they retired they enjoyed traveling in their travel trailer. After the death of Joveda's parents they moved back to Pampa, Texas in March 1997.
In 1994 Jack had a light stroke but recovered fully. The doctors told him his heart was working at 25%. About the same time his kidneys started to slow down. Between his diabetes and his heart problems his health slowly went down hill. During his last few months his eyesight and kidneys were beginning to fail and he faced having to have kidney diayllis in the near future. He never said he felt bad or hurt and was active up to the end. But he told me many times that he would not live to see his great grandchildren. He had a heart attack and died at home.
Jacks immediate family all died fairly young. His mother and dad were 74, sisters Jerry 65, Nina 73, brother Cecil 16 and Jack 73.
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1924 - 1997 (73 years)
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