John "Jack" Calvin McCaskill, Jr.

John “Jack” Calvin McCaskill Jr. arrived at his heavenly home on October 16, 2022.

Jack was born in Columbia, South Carolina on July 12, 1942 to Col. John Calvin McCaskill Sr. and Olga Heins McCaskill.  He is predeceased by his parents and his wife of 52 years, Frances Riley McCaskill.

As the son of a career Army officer, Jack moved often in his early years.  He graduated from Punahou High School in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1960; and the Citadel in 1964 with a BS in Civil Engineering.  He was commissioned as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the Army in February 1965. 

He earned his Airborne Wings at Fort Benning in August 1965.  He then served in Vietnam from May 1966 to May 1967 with the 497^th Engineer Company Port Construction.   After returning from Vietnam, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves and subsequently in the N.C. National Guard until resigning as a captain in 1983.  Jack earned his Professional Engineer designation in 1974 and successfully used this skill with several engineering firms in the U.S, Brazil, Canada, China and Poland.  He ended his career as a forensics engineer working throughout the southeast.

Jack was ordained as an elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Snellville, Georgia.  Upon moving to Montreat, N.C. he served as an elder in the Montreat Presbyterian Church. He was an active member of the Montreat Scottish Society and was a past president. Additionally, he served on the Town Council in Montreat. Upon his move to Aiken, he was a member of the American Legion, Post 26.

Jack went everywhere and knew everyone, bringing spiritual and worldly wisdom and order to all sorts of circumstances. Jack’s broad influence rose from his deep Christian faith, military and professional background, and the good things which come from being a true son of South Carolina.

He is survived by his two sons: Andrew Lewis McCaskill of Aiken, SC, and James Calvin McCaskill (Lisa) of San Jose, CA. Jack loved his grandchildren: Kate Elizabeth Rose McCaskill, John Calvin McCaskill IV, Thomas Jonathan Jackson McCaskill and Warren McCaskill. He is also survived by his brother, Manning McCaskill (Judy) and his nephews and niece: John McCaskill, Lawrence McCaskill and Suzanne McCaskill Barrett; many cousins and a host of wonderful friends.

A graveside service will be held Thursday afternoon, December 1^st at 1 o’clock in Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Columbia, SC with The Rev. Grayson “Butch” Blackwell officiating.

A memorial service will be Saturday afternoon, December 3^rd at 1 o’clock in the Graham Chapel at Montreat College, 310 Gaither Circle, Montreat, NC 28757 with The Rev. Richard White officiating. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Christ Community Church (www.cccmontreat.org).

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC