Gone West: Jess Shryack

Many an otherwise dry eye misted up and trying to say anything became impossible when the tight four airplane formation flew down the runway at Flying S Farm at Justin, Texas, and suddenly one of them climbed and turned west into the declining sun, leaving the rest to go on without him.

January 17, 2009 started like any other Saturday but by mid-day you could see that it was really going to be quite extraordinary. The large old metal aircraft hangar, too long sitting empty, started to come to life. Soon, where there was nothing, over two hundred faithful aviators, antique car fans, family and friends gathered together in solemn communion to bid a fond farewell to a Consummate Aviator. Some remembered a Husband, Brother, Father or Uncle. Others remembered not just a Teacher but a Mentor of Things Aviation, yes, and of a way to live life. Many of the stories told that day we knew to be true, because they also happened to each of us.

August 15, 1921 to January 9, 2009, a span of 87 years was filled with a passion for Life and in particular, Aviation. From the early days of World War II, through the Korean Conflict and on into the current era, Jess shared his love for airplanes, flying, old cars and life with anyone and everyone he came in contact with. He had a rewarding career flying for American Airlines and after he had retired, went back to teach in the Flight Academy there. Many of the current and former Airline Pilots and Military Pilots, both Domestic and Foreign and even a well known Actor and fellow lover of aviation came to know and love him. Many of the rest of us either learned how to fly, or how to fly better under his tutelage. Jess had a way of instructing that came natural to him, but could only hope to be achieved by others. It endeared him to all. His will be an act that will be very difficult to follow, unless we recall not only what but how he taught us.

But now that old hangar is empty, except for wonderful memories, because the Aviator has "Gone West" and left the rest of us to go on without him. Perhaps at times we will feel his steadying influence when things aviation aren't going exactly right and our flight path needs correction. And just as often we may hear that maniacal laugh, because we are still bound to Earth and Jess has gone flying.

It was "Another Day in Aviation."

-Dick Ramsey

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