John E. "Jack" Arthur, Jr., a Wappingers Falls resident since 1972 and formerly of Yonkers, died on Saturday, November 8, 2014. Jack's service to our country began at age 15, when he joined the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) as a cadet in World War II. For that service, he became a candidate this year to be honored, along with his fellow CAP WWII veterans, for the Congressional Gold Medal. In 1950 during the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany with the occupational forces. During his time in the Army he served as a traffic manager, cartographer, and pilot. Jack's love of aircraft and flying led to him earning his private pilot's license at the age of 19, becoming rated in both sea and land planes. He was a longtime member of the Civil Air Patrol and Twinco Flying Club. He was an accomplished speed skater; in his 20's, he competed in the prestigious Silver Skates competition in New York City. Jack enjoyed playing music, specifically the guitar, banjo, and harmonica. In addition, he was a talented artist who enjoyed sketching and oil painting. Jack had a lifelong love of animals and had many dog and cat companions and became a bird watching enthusiast after retirement. Jack worked as a business systems service and salesman, and in 1998 retired from Xerox at their office in Tarrytown. He formerly worked for GAF, also of Westchester. It was his service route in the Hudson Valley that inspired him to move his family to Dutchess County. On November 14, 1959, he married Margaret MacDonald at St. Brendan's Church in the Bronx. Mrs. Arthur survives at home in Wappingers Falls.

Other survivors include his son, John E. Arthur III & his wife Diana of New Rochelle; his daughter, Donna Marie Kenney & her husband Michael of Skippack, PA; his daughter, Therese A. Coyne & her husband Thomas of Hopewell Junction; and his grandsons, Matthew & Ryan Kenney. He was predeceased by his parents, John Edward Arthur, Sr. and Laura Petersen Arthur, as well as his brother William Arthur.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 14 at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A memorial service will be held during the calling hours at 7 p.m. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 15 at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. At the conclusion of Mass, the U.S. Army will conduct Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jack Arthur Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund will benefit students in need at the St. Denis-St. Columba School. Donations can be made online or mailed to Jack Arthur Memorial Scholarship Fund, St. Denis-St. Columba School, PO Box 368, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533. For directions, online condolences, and memorial donations, please visit Jack's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/poughkeepsiejournal/obituary.aspx?n=john-arthur&pid=173118032&fhid=2854#sthash.pAwnl7Md.dpuf