John Cameron MacKercher, 89, peacefully passed into Eternal Life on January 19, 2019 in Brooksville, Florida with his devoted son and caregiver, Scott at his bedside. Jack, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 16, 1929 and is the son of the late Donald Farquhar and the late Lucille Mildred (Tinkler) MacKercher. He is predeceased by his brother, Donald and sister in law Ann MacKercher.
In the summer of 1948, while visiting family in Newaygo, Michigan, Jack met the love of his life, the beautiful Leah Marie Mathews. Jack and Lee both graduated from Michigan State College (now University) and were married on June 2, 1951. Jack’s journalism career began when he worked briefly for the Detroit Free Press before embarking on a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy.
Before retiring as a Captain, Jack’s tours of duty included Great Lakes Naval Base, Illinois, Little Creek Amphibious Base, Virginia, San Diego, California, Taipei, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. He participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 as a public affairs officer for Naval Amphibious Forces. Jack headed the Navy’s press responsibilities in South Vietnam in 1966 for one year.
He traveled extensively throughout South Vietnam’s countryside and was exposed on numerous occasions to Agent Orange, a known cancer causing agent that affected many service personnel years later. He earned his Masters Degree in Public Relation from Boston University in 1967. Jack served with great distinction for four years as Public Affairs Officer to Admiral Thomas Moore, Chief of Naval Operations.
When Admiral Moore was confirmed as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Jack was appointed his Special Assistant. Naval decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Navy Commendation Medal With Combat V, and the Republic of Vietnam’s Navy Distinguished Service Medal. Jack attended the National Defense University where he did extensive research and writing related to his Vietnam War experiences.
Jack served in the U. S. Labor Department during the Ford Administration as a senior official directing their public relations efforts. Jack was a fearless patriot who loved and defended his beautiful country, the United States of America. Jack continued promoting the principles of freedom through numerous published articles and commentary, including his syndicated column, “Capitol Cameos”.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Lee, and his cherished five children and their loving families, four sons; devoted son and caregiver Scott Mathew, Duncan James, Captain John Cameron, Jr., U. S. Navy, retired and his wife Susan, and Rob Roy and his wife Cynthia, and daughter Jamie Ann and husband Joseph Thomas. Jack’s treasured grandchildren are John Kirk, Sean Michael and Ian Wesley Thomas, John Cameron, III, and Dr. Jana Lauren, and her husband Jake Elliker, Kristin Marie and her husband William Blakeney, Rob Roy, Jr. and his wife Beth, and Donald Mark, and Caroline Marie and Cameron Marie Carper. Jack’s lovable great grandchildren are William David Blakeney III and Rob Roy III.
Jack is also survived by many loved cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends. The family will receive visitors at the Downing Funeral Home, 1214 Windy Court, Spring Hill, FL 34607, 352-684-5334, from 12:00 noon until 2:30 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 3:00 pm at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1107 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606.
Jack will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. That date will be announced in the near future.
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