John C. Vick

Share notices and arrangements for shipmates who have passed.
Post Reply
User avatar
Board Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 276
Joined: Sat Oct 15, 2005 7:41 pm

John C. Vick

Post by Board Admin »

John C. Vick died at home in Hampstead, NC, on January 2, 2019. He was 83 years old. A native of
Williams, AZ, John attended Flagstaff’s Arizona State Teachers College prior to receiving his
congressional appointment to the Academy from Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona. He graduated
with Distinction with the Class in June 1958 as a member of 5 th Company.
After accepting his commission, he first served aboard the USS Cavalier until February 1960. Upon
completion of submarine school in September 1960, he was assigned to nuclear power school and
reported to his first submarine, USS Nautilus in September 1961. He then served aboard the USS James
Madison, the USS Stonewall Jackson and then as the Executive Officer of the USS Grayling until February
of 1971. He then served as the Commanding Officer of the Navy Nuclear Power Training Unit in
Windsor, CT. In July 1975, after completing Prospective Commanding Officer training, he served as the
Commanding Officer of the USS Ethan Allen until January 1979. He then served as Commander
Submarine Squadron 15 Representative in Pearl Harbor and then as Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel
and Training on the Staff of Commander, Submarine Force, US Pacific Fleet until August 1981. He
commanded the Submarine Squadron Three from August 1981 until August 1983. He then completed
his naval career as Head, Submarine Manpower and Training Division, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations
in September 1985.
During his career he received numerous commendations including the Legion of Merit (twice), the
Meritorious Service Medal (twice) and the Navy “E” Ribbon.
Following retirement, he worked briefly for America Systems Corporation in Annandale, VA before
becoming the Director of the Naval Submarine League. He served as the Director until 1995 when he
retired. During his directorship he orchestrated the annual symposium, edited the League’s periodical
and worked on special projects including producing the documentary Iron Boats, Steel Men and
organizing the world premier of The Hunt for Red October .
He was preceded in death by his parents Buell H. and Hazel G. (Rogers) Vick of Barstow, CA; sister
Jeanne M. (Vick) Parrish of Carlsbad, CA and brother Ralph B. Vick of Williams, AZ.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, the former Judith Ann Loving of Lynchburg, VA; children: Sarah
Vick (Hampstead, NC); Martha Vick Peiffer and spouse Ellsworth C. Peiffer, Jr. (Allentown, PA); son Ralph
Vick and spouse Mollye Upchurch Vick (Cornelius, NC); 7 grandchildren, Elizabeth Manatad, Calan John
Manatad and spouse Jenny Lyn Manatad, Cameron Manatad, Keegan Swartley, Teresa Swartley, Evelyn
Vick and Diana Vick; and 4 great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Phoenix, Rexie and Beatrix.
Memorial services will be on 12 January 2019 at the Hampstead United Methodist Church, with
interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.
https://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/?act ... h_id=15782
Post Reply