John 'Jerry' Webb Cance
1930-June 18, 2008
Portola Valley, California

John Webb "Jerry" Cance Jr. of Portola Valley died June 18, 2008, at the age of 78.

Mr. Cance was employed by American Airlines for 30 years and managed its offices in several major airports, including San Francisco International. From 1984 to 1989 he served under Chicago Mayor Harold Washington as commissioner in charge of operations for Chicago's O'Hare International and Midway Airports.

Born in Maumee, Ohio, Mr. Cance was a top athlete at Maumee High School and was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2003. He earned 10 varsity letters in high school in football, basketball and track, and was the only athlete to captain both the football and basketball team the same year. He graduated from Colgate University in upstate New York.

He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1948 and, as a pilot, served in Asia and in the Korean War. He was a captain and squadron flight commander, and one of the few U.S. pilots awarded Chinese pilot wings for his success in training Chinese pilots in Taiwan, according to his family. After retiring, he enjoyed spending time on the golf course, say family members.

Mr. Cance is survived by his wife, Norma, of Portola Valley; children Andrea Freeman, Pamela Perez, Bradley Cance and Stephen Cance; brother William Cance; sister Penny Potter; and eight grandchildren.

Tags: veteran, sports