John Robert Wilders, Jr.

John Robert Wilders, Jr. age 86, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida passed away December 30, 2014 at home with his wife at his side. Jack, born in Ipswich MA, was the only child of John and Gladys Wilders. He was predeceased by his daughter, Lisa Jane Wilders and granddaughter, Jennifer Holcomb. He will be lovingly remembered by his family, including his wife, Susan T. Wilders, children, Debbie (John) Hill, Patti Wilders (Dale Burd), Kathy (Brian) Hybsch, grandchildren, Nicole Hill, Andrew (Becky) Pellicer, Adam (Nena) Dollard, Brian Hybsch, Kirstin Hybsch, and 5 great-grandchildren He enlisted in the Navy and became a radio operator. He was in the Battle of Inchon for which he received a Presidential Citation for Action, and participated in "Operation Greenhouse". After the navy he was a naval reservist, then in the Air National Guard in NH. He became a Nashua NH police officer in 1963, receiving many awards and accolades. In 1966 he became the Chief of Police in Merrimack, NH hiring the city's first female police officer, and, under his guidance the department began 24 hour a day patrol operations. In 1973 he moved to WPB and became a Palm Beach County Deputy Sheriff, retiring in1985. He was with Lake Park Police Dept. from 1987 to 1994. After his final retirement he fulfilled his dream of becoming a pilot. He was an Aux. Officer Pilot in the US Air Force Civil Air Patrol and obtained the rank of 2nd LT. He also flew for several small airlines. Jack loved spending time with his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all. A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, January 24, 2015 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Palm Beach Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Jacks name to HOSPICE of PBC or St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 3395 Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410.