John C.”Jack” Cameron (1948 – 2025)

John “Jack” Charles Cameron, 76, of Lake Frederick, Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 18, 1948, in Springfield, Massachusetts, John was a distinguished naval architect and engineer, a dedicated servant leader, and a cherished husband, father, and grandfather.

John C.”Jack” Cameron

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Eve, his high school sweetheart whom he married in 1970 at Iona College Chapel; their three children, Heather, Bonnie, and Tamm, and their sons-in-law, Bruce, Eric, and Byrnes; and 14 cherished grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Shirley Cameron, and his grandson, Michael Patrick Kniffin.

A proud Irishman and Cameron, embodying the family motto Aonaibh Ri Cheile (“Let us unite”), Jack grew up in Yonkers, New York, and graduated from Cardinal Spellman High School, where he played trombone in the high school band. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Manhattan College in 1970 and a Master of Science in Business Administration from Strayer University in 2001. John was also a graduate of the Defense Systems Management College Program Management Course, holding DAWIA Level III certifications in Program Management and Systems Planning, Research, Development, and Engineering.

Jack’s illustrious 39-year career in government and private industry was marked by exceptional leadership in naval engineering and program management. He retired in January 2004 as Chief of Staff and Director of Management Operations for the Program Executive Office Aircraft Carriers, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). His proudest achievements included his contributions to the USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy, hospital ships that exemplified his commitment to service. Jack held roles such as Deputy Director of the Strategic Sealift Program, Division Director for Auxiliary and Mine Warfare Ships, and Program Manager for the Acquisition Management Support Office (PMS308), overseeing support for over 160 Navy ships. After retiring, he founded a consulting and program management education firm, providing expertise to government and commercial clients until March 2005.

A member of the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE), National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), and Association for Unmanned Vehicles International (AUVSI), John co-authored a technical paper on Navy ship construction published in the Transactions of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers in 1984. His contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the Department of Navy Superior Civilian Service Award, Meritorious Civilian Service Award, and a nomination for Federal Engineer of the Year in 1984.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jack was a passionate Civil War buff, an avid collector of military miniature figures, and a member of international computer wargaming clubs, where he recreated historical battles from WWI, WWII, and ancient times. He loved reading eclectic books and magazines, ranging from ancient history to science fiction, and hiking in the Shenandoah Valley. A dedicated soccer coach and active member of his church, Jack exemplified servant leadership through his involvement in Marriage Encounter and Cursillo ministries alongside his beloved Eve.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., on Friday, August 1st, followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bridget of Ireland Catholic Church in Berryville, Virginia, followed by a reception at the Regions 117 clubhouse in the Trilogy community in Lake Frederick, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Bridget of Ireland Catholic Church, 1024 W. Main St., Berryville, VA 22611, and Lamb of God Maternity Home, 243 S. Escondido Blvd., Suite 127, Escondido, CA 92025, reflecting Jack’s lifelong commitment to his faith, to life, and to service.

Arrangements are being Enders & Shirley Funeral Home, Berryville.

To view the obituary or send condolences online, please visit www.endersandshirley.com.

Jack’s legacy of faith, family, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. As the Irish blessing he cherished says:

May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.