February 24, 2016
CWO4 Jim Doran, USN (Ret)
I served with Jerry on the staff of Commander, Carrier Air Wing, Reserve, 20. Jerry was the Landing Signal Officer and I was the Gunner. I also logged a few hundred hours in the back seat of the TA-4J Skyhawk with Jerry in the front. He taught me some basic aerobatics and let me fly the jet as often as possible. Unfortunately our careers took us to different ends of the aviation community with my time spent in Oceana based squadrons and Norfolk Weapons Department. Our Air Wing Commander was Captain Chuck Tinker, and Tink was CO at Oceana when I retired there in ’83. I only recently learned of Jerry’s passing from Steve Dallaire, my daughter’s brother-in-law.
October 13, 2015
doug shear
I was Jerry’s classmate at Eastman, and fell out of touch very shortly after that, I met Susan at Brockport. I just learned of his untimely passing. I also became a fighter pilot–USAF Phantom 4J–and would have loved to have spent time with him. Knew him only as a fellow athlete and musician. My loss, for sure. Susan–if you read this belated post, you got to be with one of the coolest guys I’ve ever known. And–I know where his nickname came from, because I am the one who gave it to him! And as you know, it was not about carrier landings!
Persevere and be well. He is doubtless watching over you.
February 27, 2015
Jim "Taco" Holton
Jerry & Susan lived across the pool from Ann & I at our apartment complex while negotiating the Basic Jet syllabus in Meridian in the fall of ’70. He was about 6 weeks ahead, and like an older brother or mentor while sitting around the pool would give me the good gouge of what was coming around the corner at me…what syllabus items to study hard on, what instructors to fly with or not..! He always seemed to “understand”. Thanks in part to his help & encouragement I ended up a DNG (Distinguished Naval Graduate). Years later, finishing my tour with VT-19 in Meridian, Jerry popped in town and gave a presentation with 8mm film & sound from a cassette of bombing runs in Vietnam. He had taped the camera to his helmet to give the most realistic view of the evolution as well as the sound pickup in his helmet earpiece. It was all very dramatic and gave us a good sense of what it was like. He did admit to being very scared and although a great adventure and he was glad for the experience would not like to do it again. He also said he really screwed up by not considering the effect of the camera taped to the side of his helmet which slammed his head to the side during the cat shot. In typical Jerry response, he laughed and said, “next time, I’ll use a counterweight”.
Other memories…he had a Porche 914 he was all excited about because of the mid-engine configuration that allowed him to take curves at high speed without spinning out which he demonstrated with me one day. I was greatly impressed but, two future Naval Aviators, going fast, what would you expect.
Many years later, I’m in my civilian career raising four boys back home in St. Louis, and My son Peter is building a model of a Navy F/A 18 and there on the back of the directions/plans is a picture of Cdr. Jerry Singleton with his whole squadron at Lemoore. How cool was that that my son now knew That his old man knew the studly man in the model’s picture. By the way, Pete went on to become a Naval Aviator too.
So, part of Jerry’s legacy lives on not only in memories of his cheerful, optimistic, energetic, enthusiasm for adventure and meaningful accomplishment but also that love of life that he gave to all who ventured into his orbit.
Thanks Jerry…Godspeed.
November 5, 2014
Laurie Singleton Black
I’m Terry’s daughter. I have a few wonderful memories of Jerry. When I was very young… maybe about four or so… Jerry came to visit my father. I’d gotten a doll recently. I didn’t know what to name the doll and asked his advice. He chose Fred. I chose for him to take Fred and sit in the cockpit of his plane when we took him to the airport to say good bye. I still smile when I remember that. Also, he taught me to play chess when I was five while we visited Jacksonville shortly before Kelly was born. Even though I only remember those two vignettes, I know what a brilliant, kind, loving and generous man he must have been. My most heartfelt condolences to everyone who feels his loss so deeply.
October 28, 2014
Michael "Duke: Longworth
I met “Hook” in the early 80’s as an instructor in the A-7 Replacement Air Group (RAG). Soon after we were squadron mates in VA-87 “Golden Warriors” flying A-7s from INDEPENDENCE. Hook and I were shipboard roommates for the URGENT FURY deployment October ’83. We had a great time flying together, leading the squadron as Maintenance Officer and Operations Officer, respectively. Hook was the finest naval aviator I ever flew with or ever met. He was always professional – he commanded the respect and loyalty of the junior officers,and I’m sure senior officers wished they had his humor, talent, and professional acumen. Many aviators wished they could plan and execute a mission with his professionalism. We played a fair number of pranks on senior and junior officers and we enjoyed hoisting a few whenever we could. We were a team and he was the best! May he rest in peace!
September 9, 2014
bonnie
I am Jerry’s niece, Bob and Jo’s daughter. I have such wonderful memories of my Uncle Jerry, particularly due to the joy he brought to Jo. While Jo was always so quick to smile, and had such an infectious laugh, nobody brought her to tears through laughter more than Jerry. Whenever Jerry and Sue were expected to visit, the entire family would get excited. Immediately, upon their arrival, Jerry and Jo were hysterically laughing, so hard that they often could not stop. Of course, I so admired Jerry for all of his talent and accomplishments, but mostly I will cherish the joy that he brought to my family, and especially to Jo.
September 8, 2014
Bob Dallow
I first met Jerry in 1972, the year that his sister Jo and I were married. Jo was his older sister by 13 years and totally loved her little brother. Family photos only serve to attest to their special relationship. Despite the physical distance necessarily occasioned by Jerry’s career, when they were together, in just minutes it was as if they had never been apart.
In my 76 years I have never felt the respect and admiration for any man that I have felt for Jerry Singleton. He was a true American hero, but that is but a small fraction of the man. He was the epitome of a true family man. His relationships with his siblings attest to that. The character displayed by Kelly, Katie, and Brian are a reflection of both Susan and Jerry and their expectations for their offspring. Jo and I were delighted when we were asked to be Kelly’s godparents. It was a wonderful honor, and a responsibility we would gladly have assumed if it had been necessary. But Susan and Jerry, as parents, were more than any child could ask for.
Others have spoken of Jerry’s versatility. Amen. He was a versatile high school athlete; as an individual he later cycled in centurions. His musical ability was unquestioned. Many recognized his performing ability, but his composing skills often went unrecognized. He also built instruments which he was proficient on. When Jo lost her battle with Parkinson’s, he performed one of his original pieces at her memorial service. The audience was spellbound.
As a civilian I have no first hand knowledge of Jerry’s Navy accomplishments if you don’t include being in awe of his chest full of medals. But my brother certainly does. He was the last Army officer to be evacuated from An Loc. When notes were later compared, we realized that Jerry and his colleagues were flying air support for Rich’s evacuation. Thanks!
Jerry was a true raconteur. His sense of humor, exceptional timing, and ability to capture an audience ensured their rapt attention. He was a professor, a stoic, and a true friend to all who knew him. Most of all he was an incredible husband, a remarkable father, and an inspiration to all of us in his extended family.
How much did Jerry mean to me personally? Allow me a brief story. When Jo was in her final hours, the family was gathered in a nearby room in the hospital. I was alone with her in her ICU room, still struggling with the reality that was overwhelming me. I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Jerry who said, “Bob, it’s your decision, but the family will support whatever you decide.” He hugged me and left me alone with Jo. There really was no decision. I knew that, but couldn’t face it until his dignity and strength were passed on to me with that hug.
September 6, 2014
Dan Tanner
I have never known a better man. Hook was my Hero, my Mentor, my Teacher, my Confidant and my Friend.
There are many of us, grown and getting older men, who have cried alot in these past weeks over the loss of our Skipper. We all feel a little weaker now because, to us, he was not only larger than life, he was invincible. We are all a little bit more mortal today.
On a horizonless night in early December 1987, my roommate flew in the water in the Med as we flew from the deck of the USS Coral Sea. It was a long night that ended in search assets finding the wreckage. I went to my stateroom broken, awash in a sea of emotion and unsure about alot of thngs. I would have survived that night regardless, but the fact that then XO HOOK came to our stateroom to check on me, talk to me, pray with me and then to sleep in the upper rack that night so that I would not be alone was the most amazing outpouring of personal concern, particularly for my individual well-being and sanity, that I have EVER experienced. Well above the call of duty, but that was the man, the dad, the friend. That was the night that elevated HOOK to a nonpareil stature for me and solidified a deep and abiding friendship for the ages.
I have known alot of men in that 23 years in the Navy and now in 11 years as an attorney. He made us laugh, and he made us cry. He has always stood alone, for me, in rarified air as an example to be emulated, professionally and personally. I am challenged daily, and I know that I will continue to be, to reach for, and fall short of, the example that he set.
One thought that keeps ringing through my head is:
God took a hero home and heaven is a better place today because HOOK lives there…
We love him, we miss him, but we are all better for knowing him.
September 2, 2014
James R. Cavataio - first cousin REMEMBERING JERRY
The youngest of four siblings and one of the youngest of the first cousins who summered at Granddad and Grandmother Richardson’s “almost beach” house in San Clemente, California, Jerry was in a prime spot to observe life. After all he had two older sisters, a suave older brother plus five “girl” cousins to show him the way. Jerry and I were in the group of younger cousins, so we were not always allowed by the “cool” cousins to participate in their activities. Eventually there were even younger ones who joined the ranks of first cousins. Despite these big age differences, the entire group of Richardson first cousins became very close during their adult years due to marvelously fun family reunions. The last such Richardson Family reunion was hosted by Susan and Jerry at Fort Hook! Like Jerry and Susan, the gathering was an unforgettable experience.
Its’ amazing that we first cousins all succeeded in one way or another but Jerry may have been the most diversely successful. His musical talent on the oboe led him to the renowned Eastman School of Music and college also led him to ROTC. Choosing a career in the Navy instead of music, Jerry contributed to our safety as a nation which continues today through those he taught and to whom he gave a supreme example of leadership and camaraderie. Jerry gave us all an example of a humble man in love with his beautiful wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his beloved brother. He was loyal, generous, fun and giving to each one of us. What an exemplary LIFE lived to the fullest!!
August 29, 2014
John Chick
The story of Jerry’s life was shared to me by a friend.
I am totally amazed by Jerry’s story and his devotion to the Navy, to his family and friends and to his music. Jerry and the life he lived is a special gift to all of us. We can be thankful for so may things in our lives and Jerry is certainly one of them. Our country, our culture, our military and everyday people in this world are much closer to each other because of Jerry and what he has done and what he has accomplished. My prayer is that someone will write a book about Jerry’s life and perhaps make a movie about him and the wonderful things he has brought to this world and to all of those who have met and who have been influenced by the special person that he is. The young people in our world need to read and know about people like Jerry who live life to it’s fullest and who are so loving and helpful to others. He is truly the type of person who sets the standard for all of us.
Thank you Jerry for being the special person that you are and for giving us such a good example of how to live our lives.
August 26, 2014
Terry Singleton
Being the older brother, I never, ever thought I would be writing something about Jerry. Always figured he would be trying to find something nice to say about me. You just never know. One thing for sure, you could tell Jerry was going to be a gymnast or an athlete right from the start with his great hand-eye coordination. Our younger sister, Linda, put him through his paces early, ice skating or pole vaulting, he was ready for anything. Our age difference (7 years) kept me away from home (in college and in the Army) so I didn’t get to see him much in his early years. I did catch up to him finally as Best Man at Sue and Jerry’s wedding on Long Island. And again in Jacksonville, after he had become a Naval Aviator and he and Sue started their family. Because of our on-going competitiveness we staged the “Singleton Olympics” there with multiple events and great effort by me. After four events we were all tied up. The final event was a 25 mile bike ride!!! and needless to say Jerry won by a mile but he was proud that I actually finished and I was grateful I could actually walk afterward. Competitive was his middle name. In the following years I was able to visit him in exotic places like Mayorca for a change of command and then again in Belgium when they lived in a chauteau fit for a king. These short burst visits didn’t give us much time together but when my wife died I decided to move to San Diego to be with Jerry and Susan and to see my older sister, JoAn, who lived just up the coast. During these years I finally saw the man Jerry had become and you can’t imagine how proud I was of him, and Sue and their family. And when he moved to Wyoming to build Ft. Hook my wife, Cheryl and I spent two wonderful visits just with Sue and Jerry. We got to play golf, I got to hear him play the oboe and sax at rehearsals and we had the chance to be good friends as well as loving brothers. Believe me, they don’t make better brothers and men like him very often.
A symphony level musician, a Naval Aviator and leader of men, a Stoic in every sense of the word, a great husband, father and friend to so many, all over the world. I know if Jerry had written the Nike slogan he would have added a word…”Just Do It Now”. We hugged a lot and said we loved each other many times. I wish I could say it to him one more time. Terry
August 25, 2014
Jim Wolfston
I don’t think it was a coincidence that Jerry Singleton’s nickname was “Hook.” Let me explain. When I first saw him at the CollegeNET user conference, Jerry clearly stood out. Not in some kind of kooky or eccentric way, mind you. It was just that unlike the typical college administrator mingling at our drinks and hors d’oeuvres party, he looked solid. After we introduced each other, I asked: “Jerry, you look like you work out. What sports to you play?” His answer: “I fly fighter jets.” Now that was an immediate “hook” for me, not just because it was an unusual answer and I like sports, but because at the time, my 11 year old son Garrett was really into Flight Simulator. I asked Jerry if he wouldn’t mind taking some time to talk one-on-one to Garrett about real flying. He graciously agreed to have lunch with us the next day.
One of the great things about being a dad is that you get to learn from the excitement of your kids. I could tell Jerry understood this. During that very enjoyable lunch watching Jerry and Garrett yakking about pitch and yaw and roll, Jerry could see that Garrett was really into it. And so he invited father and son to visit him in San Diego and take a tour. WOW!!! Are you kidding? A real naval base, a real ship, real fighter jets!!! You don’t have to be 11 years old to appreciate that!
Two weeks later, Garrett and I flew down to San Diego and checked into the Hotel del Mar–Jerry’s recommendation. What a great suggestion! After lugging our bags to the room, Garrett and I wandered off through the twisted hallways and dark woodwork looking for the “ghost” that supposedly roams through the place. We knew we were on a great adventure!
Next day, we asked Jerry how does a player of the french horn from Eastman School of Music end up as a jet fighter pilot? Jerry explained: “Well you see, all things connect. In my case, the discipline of music training paid off big time. Performing a recital in front of hundreds of people, there is no place to hide. You cannot afford to hit a wrong note. At Eastman, you had to train for that level of execution. Ditto for flying fighter jets.” When we asked later what kind of tests he had to go through to qualify as a fighter pilot, he explained the importance of music again. “I remember one of the last tests I had to take. I was up in the jet and the guy behind me started hammering me with a piece of wood. It was a simulation test for getting ripped by shrapnel and it really hurt. But what helped me keep it together was instinctively making some music in my head from the rhythm of the impacts. My music training let me focus on something other than the pain.”
Speaking of pain, I was very lucky that the helicopter simulator later introduced to us by Jerry’s daughter Kelly was, in fact, a simulator and not the real thing. Every time I tried to take off, I crashed the sucker. I have no idea to this day how the helicopter became a successful invention. I was proud that my kid was able to figure it out, but I think if I ever try this again, I will need to grow an extra arm or leg.
I had better luck on the big flight simulator. Almost kept up with Garrett, so I thought I was pretty cool! But then Jerry took the controls to show us what’s possible. It blew me away when he flew that sucker right under the Coronado bridge!
The next day we toured the USS Reagan. Holy shit, that boat is H U G E!! I’ve done my share of pleasure sailing in the Caribbean and Tahiti, but after that carrier tour, no longer did the mast on any 40 ft pleasure sloop seem so “high.” At one point on the Reagan we were 8 stories above the water!
So what about this nickname “Hook?” To be sure, even in the short time I knew him, there were many ways to hook into conversation with Jerry–fitness, travel, adventure, flying, fatherhood. I’m not sure I ever got the full story, but to hear Jerry tell it it had something to do with those hooks when landing on a big carrier.
One thing that was certain is that it was really cool to hang out with Jerry. He was an innovator with our scheduling products at USD, he was a great communicator, he had a great optimism, he was an engaging conversationalist who could draw from a wide and rich set of experiences. It’s no wonder when we visited San Diego that everyone saluted him.
Jerry, here’s one more salute to you!
Sincerely,
Jim Wolfston
President
CollegeNET, Inc.
August 25, 2014
Rich Pickett
I first met Jerry when I joined USD as a Director. Jerry was working on a special project and was about to go on to other things, when he decided to stay and collaborate with my team and myself. I wasn’t sure what a Music Major was doing in IT, however I quickly learned his skill went way beyond his musical talents. As Larry mentioned, he was a philosopher.
We worked on some challenging projects together. His strength, insight, and innate intelligence proved invaluable. As fellow aviators we always put an aviation spin on these challenges. Jerry would always invoke ‘Important Safety Tips’ when we would be considering different alternatives, or steps. Sometime we would step into quicksand, however I knew we could pull each other out.
We would always talk about our families. Jerry was so proud of his family. I remember stories about their time in Europe, Brian’s college TV series, Kelly’s flying, Katie’s international travels, and of course his love for Susan. I remember seeing Kelly’s ‘Belly’ name on a helicopter on the Carl Vinson during a VIP cruise. I took a photo and sent it to Jerry, who was so proud.
I will cherish his friendship, knowledge, and what he added to my life.
My last memory of Jerry was seeing him at the Alpine airport in late June this year after a brief visit. We were planning on returning in the fall for a visit. I saw his truck still there as we flew over the airport departing down the valley on our flight.
Safe landings Jerry! May you have tailwinds and clear skys.
Love, Rich and Jane
August 24, 2014
Claire Wootton
Our families were in Belgium together and our kids were friends. I remember Jerry’s great sense of humor, his kindness and generosity, and his love for music. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Our love to the family.
August 24, 2014
Billie Greer
I am Jerry’s cousin on his mom’s side. The Richardson clan was a large and raucous clan so it wasn’t until Jerry emerged from being the young brat of the gang did we “mature” cousins begin to take notice. We took great pride in Jerry’s military career (move over Tom Cruise)…celebrated his musical talents…and marveled at his ability to “out gun” his older brother Terry during their ongoing repartee over theyears. The two brothers’ dialogue was always hilarious, on par with the Smothers Brothers (sorry, Millenniums, well before your time). Jerry was a gentleman…a gentle man..a warrior…an intellectual…a fabulous cousin, dad. husband and friend. To Jerry — Lots of the greater family up there where you are so get that oboe out…smile that smile. You made a huge difference to this world and that says it all. Your loving cousin, Billie Jean
August 23, 2014
Dennis Carroll
Jerry and I went through the A-4 RAG together then deployed on the USS Hancock in the Gulf of Tonkin in 1972. We spent a lot of time together and that included Susan as young couples tended to do in those days was to adopt bachelors as their immature children. I always went along since the food was good and the company very special. Jerry always drove excellence not only in himself but others. He Susan also were a special couple unique as all couples are but more so in their devotion to each other. Their kindness and love for each other set the standard of what life should be like. Those where immensely busy years. Also unique is that every morning during combat I sang some lyrics from American Pie to strengthen myself for the days combat. I still do once in awhile as my family can attest. Jerry and I where in separate squadrons how interesting to find out over four decades later we were both drawn to the same song..
Jerry was a warrior, musician, scholar and natural leader a truly unique man. His departure has left a hole in my life to know he is gone. After all these years of separation he still resides in my soul and shall be forever missed.
August 23, 2014
Larry Gardepie
“The True Renaissance Man” – what truth to this statement!
I always wondered if Jerry was an Apple representative? On one of our earlier trips to Portland to present at the CollegeNET Users Conference, Jerry showed me the virtues of his MacBook Pro and Keynote, how superior these products were than any PC (“Pile of C___”, in Jerry’s words!). Unlike the movie, “Airplane,” I was not bored to death. Instead, for over 2 hours, I was converted! I didn’t even notice the discomfort of sitting in the middle seat – as Jerry, the Captain, had the pick of seats! When I returned from the trip, I immediately bought a MacBook Pro and have been in bliss ever since!
Jerry always described himself as a “music major.” But was he also a philosopher? Many times Jerry would bring calm into a tense project meeting. His advice to me, “Larry, you need to be more stoic.” What does that mean?! He then gave me a copy of “The Enchiridion” (Epictetus), telling me to read it, that I would have a quiz the next day. He taught me to listen more effectively by not letting my emotions blind me from the truth I am hearing.
My weekly project meetings with Jerry were a delight! We would meet in my office… since I had a white board. He did not want to sit down, saying that meetings go faster when people have to stand – people get to the point! We were both visual people, needing pictures! My white board would be filled with his drawings by the end of the meeting. One time, “the music major,” had diverted to an explanation of why an F Sharp was superior… at least I think it was an F Sharp…. he lost me half way through his dissertation. He pulled his music lesson back into the project topic by showing the relationship of this one note with all of the others. Jerry, the music major and consummate project manager, knew how to summarize action items and deadlines.
At our “standing meetings,” if I wandered too far into project details, he would say, “Gardepie, get to the gouge.” Not having a military background, I had no idea what he was saying. To this day, I recall his smile and explanation: “Larry, get to the point.”
The point is, Jerry remains a force of love in each of our lives. We have learned with him how to love life and explore the beauty of our world and the adventure of learning. He has shown us that we have the ability to transform ourselves into Renaissance People. I have been blessed by Jerry and his life shared so willingly!
August 21, 2014
Col Jeff "Spike" Smiley, USAF Ret.
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Capt Jerry “Hook” Singleton, USN. He was simply an outstanding Navy fighter pilot, officer and commander. When I first reported to the Wildcats of VFA-131 as an Air Force exchange pilot in Feb 1990, I was fortunate to have him as my Commanding Officer. He could have relegated/banished me to obscurity as the “Air Force” guy but he didn’t. I was treated just like one of the guys. I had the good fortune to fly with him many times. I learned so much from him about how to lead men and women. He demanded excellence, to continue to improve each day but what I remember most was he insured it was fun. He had a tremendous sense of humor. I would like to share two stories about Hook.
On day one in the squadron, I reported to his office for the standard courtesy office call. When I walked in, I immediately noticed two things, behind Hook’s desk was a large poster of Hook standing next to his A-4 Skyhawk on the deck of the USS Hancock before a combat mission over North Vietnam. You could see how proud he was to serve. Surrounding it were about a dozen VFA-131 squadron ball caps. He asked me at the end of the short meeting if I had any questions. I said yes and asked about the ball caps nailed to the wall. He looked at me and smiled just a little and said, “these sailors are no longer in the Navy.” I left thinking just one thought, “I hope “Air Force’s” brand new squadron ball cap doesn’t end up on his wall!”
During our first Med cruise he called an All Officer’s Meeting (AOM). When the last person sat down, he hit a button on a tape recorder and the song American Pie began to play softly through the Ready Room. At the end of the song, he looked at us and said quietly he remembered listening to that song many times in the Ready Room before manning up for his combat missions over North Vietnam. He then gave a briefing he created called the “The Top Ten Traits of a Successful Navy Strike Fighter Pilot. The years have dimmed nine but the last one struck home. “You will fly and fight with people you don’t like.” I never forgot that.
Hooks imprints on the US Navy are everywhere. He made a lasting impact. Here is a “nickel” to one of the greatest warrior leaders I ever met. I love and will miss you.