Colonel Jack Klag

Jack was born 10 Dec 1939 to Wilbur and Edith Klag in Queens NY. After graduating Chaminade High School, Jack went on to study at St. Michaels College and was commissioned in the United States Air Force.

Jack and Ruth met in first grade and married during his Senior year in college and would spend the next 30 years living the life of a military family. Stationed at multiple locations, including Fort Meade, Maryland; Mannheim, Germany; Glasgow, Montana; Scott Air Force Base, Illinois; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska; Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama; Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, and concluded with a final assignment at the Pentagon.

Jack dedicated himself to the field of Meteorology, serving as a Weatherman from 1961 to 1985 across various roles within the Air Force. During this time, he led a team of over three thousand personnel, delivering precise weather forecasts to the Air Force on a global scale. In 1985, Jack transitioned to a new role as Deputy Commander at the Command and Control Systems Office, Tinker Air Force Base, focusing on the development of computer software policies. Later, he assumed the position of Chief of Staff at the Standard Systems Center, Maxwell Air Force Base, overseeing the implementation of newly introduced Computer Systems Communications Systems Acquisition. Jack's distinguished military career culminated in his retirement in 1991 as a Full Colonel, serving as the Vice Commander of the 7th Communications Group at the Pentagon. Throughout his service, he received prestigious awards, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service, and Air Force Commendation.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Jack and Ruth returned to Colorado Springs, where Jack continued to make significant contributions to the field of Computer Science. From 1992 to 1997, he served as a professor and Undergraduate Academic Counselor for Computer Science and Management Information Systems at Colorado Technical University. During the period of 1997 to 2000, in addition to his role as an Adjunct Professor, Jack served as a Project Coordinator and Manager for various companies, addressing the Y2K concern. He developed budgets, plans, and mitigations to ensure uninterrupted services during this critical time.

In 2000, Jack assumed the role of Dean of Computer Science, Information Technology, and Visual Communications at Colorado Technical University. During this period, he earned his Doctorate in Computer Science. Jack played a crucial role in developing adaptable curriculums to keep pace with evolving technologies, managed a team of full-time adjunct professors to maintain teaching quality, and served as the Director of Education during vacant periods.

Throughout Jack’s career his focus was always on the people that worked for him. He believed that if we were not enjoying our job then something needed to change. He was known for “telling it like it is” in a way that was genuine and always productive.

Jack inherited a passion for golf from his father, and he began playing the sport in his early 30s, enjoying it for the next 50 years He got his first hole in one at the age of 77! Jack was a coach for Little League, a swim official, and a sponsor of Air Force Academy Cadets, Amy and Andrea.

Jack and Ruth retired to the desert in 2008. He continued golfing and was active in many clubs until his death.

A funeral mass for John will be held Tuesday, February 21, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2575 W. El Campo Grande, North Las Vegas, NV 89031. Following the funeral mass will be a committal service from 1:20 PM to 2:00 PM at Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veteran's Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005.