Jack Waddell 1923-1999

Jack Waddell (left) with Brien Wygle and Jesse Wallick

Jack Waddell was raised in Joliet where he graduated from high school. He gained a degree in engineering physics at Montana State University. During WW2 he served four years as a US Navy pilot in the South Pacific.
After the war, he joined Boeing Aircraft Company as an engineering test pilot. He flight tested many of Boeing's aircraft types and eventually became Chief Test Pilot and director of flight training. He will be best remembered as the test pilot on the maiden flight of the Boeing 747.