A Vietnam veteran and retired Air Force colonel, John D. "Jack" Miles was 83 when he passed away at his home in Mishawaka, Indiana, on Wednesday (May 16). A remembrance service was held on Saturday (May 19), and he will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Miles became an Air Force officer after earning his degree from the University of Maryland. His distinguished 29-year military career included service as a USAF pilot, which took him and his family to Delaware, Okinawa, Taiwan, Alabama (where he obtained his master’s degree from Auburn University), Washington, D.C., Hawaii and Indiana.
His final assignment was as the commander of the Air Force ROTC program (Detachment 225) at the University of Notre Dame and instructor of aeronautical studies.
Later he joined the College of Engineering at Notre Dame as assistant dean of development for the college, where he was responsible for the development of the Minority Engineering Program and also oversaw finances and operations for the college.
Miles is survived by his daughters, Beverly (Jeff), Gates, Patty (Mark) Deyermond and Joanne (Mike) Moody; his son David (Kris) Miles; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by siblings Rita Kearney, Ann Miles and Michael Miles.
Originally published by at conductorshare.nd.edu on May 21.