Posted on 11/25/2019
John Hutchison MacKinnon Sr. (OCTOBER 9, 1936 – NOVEMBER 22, 2019)
John Hutchison MacKinnon, SR (Jack) died November 22, 2019 at Virginia Hospital Center of heart failure. He was 83. He is remembered for his love of country, family, and service. Jack was born October 9, 1936 to Edwin and Thirza MacKinnon. A native of Saginaw, MI, Jack prepped at Culver Military Academy (1954) prior to graduating from the United States Naval Academy (USNA) with Honors (1958). Admiral Rickover selected Jack for his elite Submarine program in 1959-60 in Groton, CT where he met his wife Nadyne “Nikki” Loeffler. They married August 26, 1960.
Jack worked his way up in a 20+ year Naval career including Commander of nuclear submarines including both crews of the SSBN-616 USS Lafayette, ending up in a leadership role of the Submarine Squadron out of Groton, CT. Among the 20+ awards and honors, Jack received the Meritorious Service Medal in 1980.
Upon completion of his military career, Jack had a 20+ year career in the Nuclear power industry. Jack and Nikki lived all over the country with their two children John and Julie. Jack’s wife Nikki predeceased him in 2001.
Jack attended his 45th Naval Academy reunion where he met Katherine Prout, a widow of one of his company mates. After a short courtship, they were married October 30, 2004 and Jack moved to Benicia, CA. Jack and Kathy enjoyed retirement, traveling (cruising was a favorite), playing Bocce and volunteering with various organizations. They also loved gardening and every year shipped boxes of Meyer Lemons from their backyard to friends and family. Katherine predeceased Jack in 2014.
Jack recently relocated to the Kensington in Northern Virginia to be closer to family and was thrilled to be able to attend Navy football games. Jack loved the friends he made at the Kensington and looked forward to the clock hitting 4 pm each day so he could walk downstairs and enjoy music and happy hour with his friends.
Jack is survived by his son John and wife Mary Beth of Falls Church, VA, and his daughter Julie of Boston, MA. He leaves behind two grandsons, Jack and Carter MacKinnon and his sister Sissy Hettinger of Columbus, OH. He was predeceased by his parents, and his brother Clark Internment will take place in Spring/Summer 2020 at Arlington National Cemetery, where Commander MacKinnon will receive Full Military Honors. At that time, there will be a celebration of life for Jack in Falls Church, VA. Condolences and fond memories may be made at murphyfunerlhomes.com.
Murphy Funeral Homes
Falls Church, VA
703-533-0341
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/falls-church-va/john-mackinnon-8938452