Jack R. Billings, 1925-1944

Jack Ramon Billings
July 7, 1925 - June 6, 1944

Jack Ramon Billings was my uncle, but I never met him. He died serving in World War II at Normandy Beach, June 6, 1944.

Jack was born in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada in 1925. He was the third and last child of William and Ariel Watson Billings. In 1928, Jack moved with his family--his parents, sister Ariel Eileen and brother George William (Bill)--to Detroit, Michigan.

As a young boy, Jack often had a difficult time following the rules. He didn't like elementary school and often would sneak out and return home to his mother. Unfortunately, their house was across the street from the school, so even as a small child, he could skip school and still find his way home.

When he was 16, Jack went to work for the Don Cartage company, where he drove large flatbed and semi-trucks. He often kidded that he never wanted to wear a suit to work as his brother did. He was a fun-loving jokester, and enjoyed wrestling around and kidding with his siblings and buddies.

Jack turned 18 on July 10, 1943 and was drafted into the Army. There was never an exact accounting of what happened to him on D-Day, but several buddies who were there say Jack never made it off the boat.

He was mourned by his parents, sisters, brother and friends.

Jack as a child

Jack, his dad and brother Bill (c. 1942)

FACTS ABOUT JACK RAMON BILLINGS
OBITUARY: PTE. JACK BILLINGS IS KILLED IN ACTION
Son of "Bill" Billings Was With U.S. Forces Invasion Day
Private Jack Ramon Billings, a native of St. Thomas, was killed in action on invasion day, June 6, while serving with the United States Army, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Billings of Detroit, formerly of St. Thomas, having been notified to effect by Washington. Private Billings was only 19 years of age, joining the U.S. army 7 months ago and being overseas 4 month. He lived in St. Thomas until 4 years old, when he moved to Detroit with his parents. His father was the star pitcher of the St. Thomas baseball team of the Intercounty League for many years.

Besides his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Ariel Goodridge (Billings) at home in Detroit, and Mrs. Thomas Beer, 8 Penwarden street, St. Thomas, and a brother, William, on service with the U.S. forces in India. (St. Thomas Times Journal, 20 July 1944)

NAME: Jack Ramon Billings

BIRTH: 7 Jul 1925, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
DEATH: 6 Jun 1944, Normandy, France (age 18 years)
BURIAL: World War II Normandy American Cemetery, Normandy, France
FATHER: William Albert Billings
MOTHER: Ariel Laverne Watson

LINKS:
Jack's memorial at the new World War II memorial site
World War II Normandy American Cemetery website with information on the D-Day burial ground
Jack's family genealogy is at http://myheritagesite.com

E-mail a message to Jack's Family

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