Obituaries

John J. "J.J." Paquette

Photo of John J. "J.J." Paquette Photo of John J. "J.J." Paquette
John Joseph (JJ) Paquette, 92 of Little Rock passed away on October 9, 2013 at Hospice Home Care of Arkansas, Bowman Facility after an extended illness. He was born in Jackson, Miss., Sept. 17, 1921 to parents Robert and Rhoda. While attending Jackson's public schools, he starred in football and track. His family moved to Little Rock in 1940 where John graduated from Central High and was a member of the 1941 State Championship track team. Offered a football scholarship at the University of Mississippi, he decided to delay college for one year to fulfill his service obligation. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps that September to become an aviation mechanic. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941 derailed his plans and John stayed in for the duration. He served until October of 1945. Entering the Air Corps Pilot Training Program, John was awarded his wings on October 9, 1942 at Lubbock Field, Texas. He was part of the last group of enlisted Sergeant-Pilots that the U.S. Army produced. Promoted several times, he left the service as a 1st Lieutenant. After training to fly C-47 cargo planes, he was sent to the South Pacific in 1943. John flew over 200 combat missions while overseas and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, sixteen Air Medals, as well as other decorations. He participated in the following campaigns: Solomon Islands, Bismarck Archipelago, and New Guinea. He was also part of the invasion force that captured the Japanese-held island of Bougainville in 1943-44. Also while serving in the Pacific, John flew comedian Bob Hope and his troupe of entertainers around the combat zone on a USO entertainment tour. After the war John returned to Little Rock where he bought a home in Cammack Village. In late 1945, he took a job with Arkansas Power and Light (AP&L) in the Meter Department. Employed by AP&L for 40 years, he worked his way up the corporate ladder and was eventually promoted to Division Distribution Superintendent for western Little Rock. During his career, he played an important role in building and maintaining the electrical grid of the city. Always active in union affairs until entering management, he was elected President of Local 647 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and served on its negotiating committee. Mr. Paquette participated in local politics as well and was elected an Alderman of Cammack Village. He later headed its Finance Committee. He was at various times a volunteer fireman, a Deputy in the Police Department, and served on the Board of Directors overseeing the community's swimming pool. The most important part of John Paquette's life was his membership in Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church in The Heights. Joining in 1945, he was a pillar of the faith community there and helped it grow from a small mission to the parish that it is today. He contributed countless hours of unpaid professional labor and also sent all of his children to its school. John is survived by his war-time sweetheart and wife of 70 years, Agnes L. Paquette (nee Taylor) whom he met at a dance in St. Louis, Mo. while stationed nearby. Their children John III, Steven, Joan (Nolen), and Geri (Burtt) live in Little Rock, while Denise (Stroud) resides in Peachtree City, Ga. At last count the extended Paquette family consisted of 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Louise (McCumber) who also lives in Little Rock. John's life exemplified Aristotle's definition of happiness: "the full exercise of human powers along the lines of excellence." He achieved all the important things that make life complete: love, a fine family, a successful career, and the satisfaction of serving his church and community. He also helped to free mankind from the terrible scourge of tyranny and make the world a better place. It was due to the sacrifices of his generation that the many peoples of the world are to this day, able to enjoy Freedom from Fear, Freedom from Want, Freedom of Religion, and Freedom of Speech. Family and friends have no doubt that he will be greeted with the welcoming words: "Well done, my good and faithful servant … Come, share your master's joy." (Matthew 25: 23). The Paquette family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Morgan Sauer for his kind and compassionate care. The family also wishes to thank the staff of Hospice Care of Arkansas for the kindness shown during John's stay at their facility. A rosary will be held at Griffin Leggett Healy and Roth Funeral Home at 5800 W 12th St, Little Rock, Ark. 72204, at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13th. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church on Monday, Oct. 14th at 1:30 p.m. with Fr. Erik Pohlmeier, celebrant. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Discalced Carmelite Nuns, 7201 W 32nd Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72204-4716. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

Published October 12, 2013

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