Posted on 02/21/2019
Capt. John C. Vick, United States Navy (Retired)
July 24, 1935 - January 02, 2019
John C. Vick died at home in Hampstead, NC, on January 2, 2019. He was 83 years old. A native of Williams, AZ, John attended Flagstaff’s Arizona State Teachers College prior to receiving his congressional appointment to the Academy from Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona. He graduated with Distinction with the Class in June 1958 as a member of 5th Company.
After accepting his commission, he first served aboard the USS Cavalier until February 1960. Upon completion of submarine school in September 1960, he was assigned to nuclear power school and reported to his first submarine, USS Nautilus in September 1961. He then served aboard the USS James Madison, the USS Stonewall Jackson and then as the Executive Officer of the USS Grayling until February of 1971. He then served as the Commanding Officer of the Navy Nuclear Power Training Unit in Windsor, CT. In July 1975, after completing Prospective Commanding Officer training, he served as the Commanding Officer of the USS Ethan Allen until January 1979. He then served as Commander Submarine Squadron 15 Representative in Pearl Harbor and then as Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel and Training on the Staff of Commander, Submarine Force, US Pacific Fleet until August 1981. He commanded the Submarine Squadron Three from August 1981 until August 1983. He then completed his naval career as Head, Submarine Manpower and Training Division, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations in September 1985.
During his career he received numerous commendations including the Legion of Merit (twice), the Meritorious Service Medal (twice) and the Navy “E” Ribbon.
Following retirement, he worked briefly for America Systems Corporation in Annandale, VA before becoming the Director of the Naval Submarine League. He served as the Director until 1995 when he retired. During his directorship he orchestrated the annual symposium, edited the League’s periodical and worked on special projects including producing the documentary Iron Boats, Steel Men and organizing the world premier of The Hunt for Red October.
He was preceded in death by his parents Buell H. and Hazel G. (Rogers) Vick of Barstow, CA; sister Jeanne M. (Vick) Parrish of Carlsbad, CA and brother Ralph B. Vick of Williams, AZ. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, the former Judith Ann Loving of Lynchburg, VA; children: Sarah Vick (Hampstead, NC); Martha Vick Peiffer and spouse Ellsworth C. Peiffer, Jr. (Allentown, PA); son Ralph Vick and spouse Mollye Upchurch Vick (Cornelius, NC); 7 grandchildren, Elizabeth Manatad, Calan John Manatad and spouse Jenny Lyn Manatad, Cameron Manatad, Keegan Swartley, Teresa Swartley, Evelyn Vick and Diana Vick; and 4 great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Phoenix, Rexie and Beatrix.
Memorial services will be on 12 January 2019 at the Hampstead United Methodist Church, with interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.
ANDREWS MORTUARY AND CREMATORY MARKET STREET CHAPEL
1617 Market St.
Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: 910-762-7788
Fax: 910-762-0631
https://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/obituary/john-vick?fh_id=15782