Jack Weatherby was born on August 7, 1935, in Fort Worth, Texas. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on March 21, 1955, and entered the Aviation Cadet Program in April 1956. Weatherby was commissioned a 2d Lt and awarded his pilot wings at Luke AFB, Arizona, on April 27, 1957, and after completing Combat Crew Training, he was assigned to the 508th Fighter Bomber Squadron and then the 836th Operations Squadron at Langley AFB, Virginia, from November 1957 to May 1959. Lt Weatherby then completed RF-101 Voodoo Combat Crew Training before being assigned to the 29th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (TRS) at Shaw AFB, South Carolina, where he served from June 1959 to February 1960. He then transferred to the 45th TRS at Misawa AB, Japan, and served there until December 1962. During this time, Capt Weatherby flew combat missions in Southeast Asia in support of the Vietnam War. He again served with the 29th TRS at Shaw AFB from December 1962 to November 1964, when he transferred back to the 45th TRS at Misawa AB. Capt Weatherby again flew combat missions in Southeast Asia during this time, and he was killed in action on July 29, 1965. At the time of his death, he had accumulated over 3,000 flying hours in his Air Force career. Jack Weatherby's remains were returned to the United States on August 28, 1978, and he was buried at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

His Air Force Cross Citation reads:

Captain Jack W. Weatherby distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force over the Republic of Vietnam on 29 July 1965. On that date, Captain Weatherby voluntarily flew an unarmed aircraft at extremely low altitude deep into hostile territory which was heavily defended, to photograph a target of vital significance to the United States Air Force and Republic of Vietnam Air Force. As he approached the target area, his aircraft was severely damaged by accurate ground fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Weatherby elected to press on to the target until his badly damaged aircraft exploded and crashed. Captain Weatherby's courage and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the American fighting man under attack by an opposing armed force. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, Captain Weatherby reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.