Ilion John "Jack" Bechard, age 88, of S. Fifth Ave., Ilion, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2014 at home. Jack was born on January 11, 1926 in Utica. He was the son of the late Leo R. and Mary (Jorgenson) Bechard. He was a graduate of West Winfield schools. Jack joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Sakatonchee in the Pacific during WWII. In August of 1948, he married the former Martha Reynolds. They were married for 59 years before she passed away in December of 2007. Jack retired as foreman of the Model Shop at Remington Arms in 1984. He worked several other jobs along the way, including Pine Hills Golf Course in Frankfort, Spaulding Bread Company in Utica, and Joe's Esso Garage in Ilion. Jack was a member of the American Legion, the Ilion Fish and Game Club, the Ilion Volunteer Fire Department, and was a life member of the VFW. Jack was a sportsman who enjoyed many hours hunting and fishing and passed down his respect for nature. He was also an avid golfer and Yankees fan. Jack is survived by his sons, Thomas "Bomber" and his wife Cynthia of Ilion and John and his wife Darlene of Lake Worth, FL; two daughters, Jackie and her husband Thomas Mooney of Vestal, NY and Mary and her husband Ozzie Sterling of Ilion. These families include ten grandchildren and five great grandsons. He is also survived by his two sisters, Ann Davis of Westernville and Julia Soules of Ilion; a sister in law, Patricia Bechard of Ilion; and brother in law, Jay Goodman of Ilion. He was predeceased by his brother Leo "Bob" Bechard and sister Beth Goodman. Funeral services for Jack will be held on Friday, April 4, 2014 at 1 PM at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego Street, Ilion. Interment with military honors will be in the Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion. Friends may call on Friday from 11 AM until the time of the funeral. Memorial donations in Jack's name may be made to the Ilion Ambulance Fund or one's favorite charity. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. To send online condolences please go to www.whiter-hendrix.com.