Jerry F. Healy Jr.

Healy, Jerry F., (A.K.A. “Buster”, “Dad”, “Pa”) 88, was born March 10, 1935, married July 6, 1957, and passed away peacefully on Thursday February 22, 2024, surrounded by family.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Judith A. Healy (Seiber), their six children, John P. (Catherine) Healy, M. Denise (Ira) Ekhaus, Lauren A. (Daniel) Chapman, Michael K. “Oscar” (Mary Kathleen) Healy, Kendra M. (Robert) Schiek, Bridget M. (Luke) Ismert, 19 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jeremiah and Bridget (Haugh) Healy and his adoring sister Mary C. (Kenneth) Joseph.

Jerry was an airline pilot with Trans World Airlines and naval aviator in the United States Navy. He entered the Navy in 1956 and was commissioned as an Ensign when he received his “wings of gold” on June 21, 1957. While on active duty, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Constellation and reached the centurion club for night “traps” and had approximately 250 carrier landings overall. In 1966 he resigned from active duty as a Lt. Commander, joining the U.S. Naval Reserves, and began his career as a commercial airline pilot with TWA. While in the reserves, he was promoted to Commander and later to Captain. He was named the commanding officer of Patrol Squadron 67 (VP-67) on May 17, 1975, based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Memphis, completing his command in April of 1977. VP-67 was an antisubmarine patrol squadron flying the P2V Neptune; the squadron was nicknamed the Golden Hawks and unofficially called the Thunder Chickens.

Jerry began with TWA as a flight engineer in 1966, became a first officer, and later a captain. He flew the 707, 727, L1011, 757, 767 and 747. He also served as a flight instructor for TWA. He took early retirement from TWA and joined KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in 1992, flying the 747 internationally. Jerry retired in 1995.

Jerry’s parents immigrated to the United States from Ireland. His father was from County Kerry and his mother was from County Clare. Jerry was very proud of his Irish heritage. He attended grade school in Kansas City at St. James parish school, attended Rockhurst High School and graduated from Bishop Lillis High School in 1952. Jerry received a BA in Business Administration from Park University, the first in his family to receive a college degree.

Jerry was a devoted and loving husband, proud father, and beloved grandfather and great grandfather. He loved celebrations and family gatherings, big and small. He was not shy with a microphone and raised a glass to whatever occasion needed toasting. He was even known to sing a song or two, Irish songs were a specialty. A favorite tradition was gathering family at Vanderbilt Beach, Florida, for annual August reunions, since 1995. Many happy memories of beach time, family meals, speeches under the tiki hut, and even talent shows were created. He was very proud of his grandchildren and all of their accomplishments, attending many sporting events, sacraments, graduations, and weddings.

Jerry and Judy enjoyed playing tennis and golf. In retirement he played more golf and held a single digit handicap. He had six hole-in-ones and shot his age three times including a 75.

Services will be held on Sunday March 3rd, 2:00pm visitation, 3:00pm rosary, and 3:30pm funeral mass at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66206. Services can be livestreamed at: https://cureofars.com/funeral

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care or Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.