Captain John JB Bryan McKamey, USN (Ret)

1935-2010

John Bryan “JB” McKamey was born July 1935 in Greencastle, Indiana the only child

of Mary Margaret Bryan and Oscar Lee McKamey of Filmore, Indiana. JB attended Filmore

School and Butler University. In September 1955 he entered the Naval Aviation Cadet Program

and was commissioned an Ensign and received his wings of gold on March 1, 1957. McKamey flew

AD'S with VA-215 making 3 WesPac Cruises on the USS Lexington. He then served as an

Instructor pilot with VT-7and VT-9 at NAS Meridian, Mississippi. He attended Safety School at the

University of Southern California before joining VA-23 aboard the USS Midway and began

flying combat missions in Southeastern Asia in April 1965. on June 2, 1965, while flying

his A-4 on his 21st combat mission, McKamey’s aircraft was hit by enemy fire and he was

forced to eject over North Vietnam and was immediately captured. JB was released on February

12, 1973 during Operation Homecoming after being held as a Prisoner of War for 7 Years and

8 months. After his return he was attached to VA-125 at Lemoore, California until May 1974.

JB’s next assignment was as Commanding Officer of VT-9 at NAS Meridian. His next orders

sent him to Mayport, FL and the USS Saratoga as ship’s Navigator. Captain McKamey, while

attached to Naval ROTC program in the University of Jacksonville, received dual BA degrees

in Communication and English from the University of North Florida. Captain McKamey served

as Executive Officer as NAS Key West (Boca Chica) and received a Humanitarian Service Award

during the Cuban Mariel boat lift. JB then commanded Mobile Mine Assembly Group in Charleston,

S. C. Next McKamey’s became the Commanding Officer of NAS Pensacola from 1982-1984 Captain McKamey’s last assignment was on the CNET staff.

McKamey’s decortion include the Silver Star(2), Legion of Merit w/V, Braonze Star, w/V and

the Purple Heart (2), Meritorious Service Medal w/V (3).

Captain McKamey retired from the United States Navy after 30 years honorable and heroic

service to our nation. He Returned With Honor.

After his retirement JB service 7 years as the Public Affairs Officer at NAS Pensacola.

JB was a Duplicate Bridge Life Master and avid NASCAR fan.

JB is survived by a loving family; his wife Nancy Hoopes McKamey and 3 children; Janice

and Steven Sowers of Jacksonville, FL, Jacquelyn Fraley of Austin, TX, and John and

Janet McKamey of Gainesville, FL, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Oak Lawn Funeral Home on 619 New Warrington Road,

Wednesday, February 17, 2010 from 4:30 to 6:30 P.M.

Funeral services will be held at the Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel (Base Chapel)

On Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. followed by a graveside Barrancas National Cemetery

at 2:00 P.M.

The family would like to thank Dr. Brian Lee, M.D. for his care and kindness for our beloved

Husband and father.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Covenant Hospice of Pensacola, The Naval

Aviation Museum in memory of JB McKamey or a charity of your choice.

Oak Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be offered at www.oaklawnfunerals.com

Oak Lawn Funeral Home, Pensacola, FL.