John Henry (Jack) Lightstone was born April 13, 1907 in Arkansas City, Kansas. While still a boy, he learned to fly from a family friend, Walter Beech, who later founded the Beech Aircraft Company. Jack soloed March 27, 1921 shortly before his fourteenth birthday. He was a member of the Arkansas City Flying Team. For the next couple of years, he was billed as the youngest pilot in the country when he appeared in "Flying Frolics" throughout the area. Flying remained an avocation as he pursued his education. He purchased his first airplane, a Command-Aire 0X5, in 1929.

He married the former Mary E. Geeslin of Arkansas City, Kansas on May 7, 1934. They had five children, Larry, Bob, Bill, Steve (all of whom are licensed pilots) and Elizabeth.

In 1941 Jack purchased the Coffeyville Airway Company, and initiated and operated the Civilian Pilot Training (CPT) course in Coffeyville, Kansas prior to World War II. During the war, he operated the War Training Service as part of the Army Air Corps in cooperation with the local community college. His was one of only 14 such War Training Centers in the country.

After the war, Jack continued to operate the Coffeyville Airway Company as a fixed base operator providing GI flight training. Jack designed a spray tank modification for Stearman aircraft, and operated a crop spraying service. He also designed and sold a certified engine mount to convert a 65-hp Piper Cub to a 100-hp engine.

In 1962, Jack established Lightstone Aviation, a Cessna dealership as well as an approved flight school, aircraft repair facility, and radio shop. He was a rated Examiner for Aircraft and Engine (A & E) mechanics, and a rated Examiner for Commercial Pilot certificates. Over the years, Jack trained, examined, and inspired many pilots and mechanics.

Well respected in the community, he passionately promoted general aviation for business and pleasure.

Jack was a Quiet Birdmen in the Tulsa Hangar, a member of the 0X5 Club, and various other aviation organizations.

Jack Lightstone was at work actively involved in the aviation business he loved when he died on May 18, 1971 at the age of 64.