USAF Lt Col (ret) Jean “Pappy” Paprocki, Jr., a devoted husband, father, aviator, and mentor passed away on March 8, 2026. He died of a heart attack while abroad at the age of 65.

Born in Germany, he later immigrated with his family to New Jersey where he grew up. He was the beloved son of the late Jean and Gertrude Paprocki.

He was generous, fun-loving, meticulous, and an all-around great person. And, he was a planner. He was always looking for his next adventure, whether it was canoeing with his son on a Boy Scout trip to Minnesota, going to Wooden Boat School in Maine, then building his own wooden boat, or plotting a course to Key West on his yacht.

He was also a foodie. He delighted in cooking everything from elaborate cuisine to scrambled eggs and bacon for our dog Teddy, who he dearly loved.

We had many trials and tribulations through our 32 years of marriage to include a house getting flooded during a hurricane, and the yacht being severely damaged during another. And Pappy was the steel force that kept everything together. I can still hear his voice telling me to “Suck it up Airborne.” He always knew the right thing to say, or do, in any situation. But, I digress.

Pappy developed a passion for aviation while participating in the Civil Air Patrol during high school. It was a passion that would shape the course of his life. He was a certified pilot at the age of 16, and a flight instructor soon after.

He was the first alternate to the Air Force Academy. When he wasn’t accepted, he decided to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman.

But his passion was flying, so after his tour, he enrolled in Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach Florida. He earned a degree in Aeronautical Science, and later earned his master’s degree.

After graduating from the university he joined the Air Force, was commissioned as a 2nd Lt, and went to flight school. He then embarked in a distinguished career in Special Operations. He was stationed at Woodbridge AB, England, Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Hurlburt Field, Florida. He was a born pilot. He flew the Casa 212, C130E and the C130H Gunship, and 17 other aircraft during his flight career.

He fought in the Afghanistan War and the War on Terrorism, and his service medals include the Air Medal with 3 devices, Aerial Achievement Medal with 4 devices, Joint Service Commendation with 1 device, and 19 other awards. But, for Pappy it wasn’t about the praise or being lauded. It was about serving the country he loved and doing whatever it took to make the mission happen. He was good at that.

After retiring from the military, Pappy continued his aviation career with Gulf Air Group Inc., based in Crestview, Florida. There he flew the L-382 and L-382J aircraft and served as an FAA Check Airman for nearly twenty years, mentoring and training countless pilots. He was proud to work for Gulf Air Group and cherished the many friends he’d made there.

Pappy also had a passion for boats…he wanted a yacht and wanted to live in the Florida Keys. And he made this happen. We are thankful that he got to live his dream.

He was not only a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, and friend, but also a mentor to many, and a true professional in everything he did. Pappy was “top shelf.”

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Pappy was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Dagmar Herran. He is survived by his wife Brenda, his son John and daughter-in-law Mallory, his sister Gabrielle Bale (husband Isidore), his nieces Danielle Krugler (husband Jordan), Nicole Bardes (husband Thomas), Jennifer Faraldo, Sandra Faraldo, and Janice Herran; as well as many family members, friends, and colleagues whose lives he touched throughout his career and life.

In lieu of flowers and donations, we ask that you take time with your loved ones to remember the good times you had with Pappy. That’s what he would have wanted.

Per his wishes, Pappy was cremated, and there will be a celebration of life on May 16, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Hurlburt Soundside, 107 Kissam St Bldg 90910, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

If you don’t have a military ID, you will need to email brendaontheboat@gmail.com NLT 7 May with your name, DOB, last 4 of SSN, and your driver’s license number with state so we can compile a list for base access. No one can be added after 7 May.