John "Jack" Kushner

From out of the coal dust, Jack Kushner built a life dedicated to his family, his country, and his Catholic faith. Jack died June 15, 2024, leaving a legacy of devotion and service.

John Robert Kushner was born on February 22, 1937, in Lloydell, Summerhill Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, and grew up in and around Johnstown, PA, where his father John Kushner was a coal miner and his mother Helen a homemaker.

After a successful academic and athletic career in local schools, Jack attended Seton Hall University, in South Orange, NJ, on a full track scholarship, and ran in meets at Madison Square Garden, Boston Garden, Penn Relays as well as other venues. Jack was named Captain of the track team in his senior year. After successfully completing Army ROTC courses at Seton Hall and graduating with a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1959, Jack accepted a commission as an officer in the US Army.

While attending a reception intended to recruit flight nurses to the Air Force in Pittsburgh, PA, Jack had the fortune to meet his life partner, Barbara Ann Alderson. After a six-month courtship, they were married on May 20, 1961, and built a life together, raising three sons, David, John, and Keith.

Jack served his nation and the Army for 22 years, primarily in Air Defense Artillery and Training Development, being awarded many commendations, including the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Services Commendation medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. His military career included one tour of duty in Vietnam, postings in Alaska, Fort Sill, OK, Germany, Fort Bliss, TX, Nekoma, ND (at the "Pyramid on the Prairie"), and Fort Bragg, NC, as well as key positions in several top secret operations. While teaching ROTC at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH, he earned a master's degree in education. His last assignment was with the JFK Special Warfare Center at FT. Bragg, NC where he was responsible for the development of all training and educational materials for the Special

Forces Qualification Course. Jack retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in June 1981.

After leaving the military, he and his family continued to live in Fayetteville, NC, while he worked as a corporate recruiter until his full retirement. He and his wife Barbara enjoyed spending time with their boys at their athletic games- baseball, track, soccer, tennis, and football-and traveling, especially to Hawaii. In addition, Jack loved woodworking, puttering around the house, and writing poetry, particularly in couplets.

Both Jack and Barbara retired from full-time work in 1997, and for their golden years, they moved to the foothills of northern Pickens County, SC. Overlooking Ceasar's Head, their dream home provided peaceful vistas and community. Jack was active in leadership in the Parish of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pickens, SC, as well as the River Bluff Property Owners Association.

In 2014, Jack self-published his autobiography, From Out of the Coal Dust, which contains valuable family history and reminiscences.

He is survived by his children, David (and Christine) Kushner of Raleigh, NC; John (and Betsy) Kushner of Tampa, FL; Keith (and Mary) Kushner, of Mount Pleasant, SC; and four grandchildren, Keenan Kushner of Denver, CO; Paul Kushner of New York City; Kelsey (and Thomas) Akers of Brevard, NC; and Kate Kushner of Princeton, NJ.

He is predeceased by his spouse of 59 years, Barbara Ann Kushner; his parents, John and Helen Kushner; his sister Shirley Rusnak; and his granddaughters Morgan and Kayla Kushner.

A Mass service will be held on July 5, 2024 at 8:00 AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pickens, SC.

Visitation will be held prior to the Mass on July 5, 2024 from 7:15 to 7:45 AM.

LTC Jack Kushner will be interred at MJ "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery, in Anderson, SC, next to his beloved wife Barbara.

Live stream of the Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church in is the link below for those who can not attend.

https://youtube.com/live/cgLNdEocXtg?feature=share

In lieu of flowers the family has asked to make a donation to a charity of their choice in honor of Jack or donations to the Holy Cross Catholic Church, located at 558 Hampton Ave, Pickens, SC 29671.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.