John Lee Jenkins, 93, of Jefferson City, passed away on Sun., Feb. 25, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. He was born on July 23, 1930 in Mexico, the son of Frances and Idalee (Maddox) Jenkins, who preceded him in death.
John started his first job in 1944 at the age of 14. He worked for Green Field Mexico Memorial Flying Services in exchange for flying lessons. In 1947 he obtained his license and became the youngest licensed pilot in the United States. John graduated Mexico High School class of 1948 and he obtained his commercial pilots license. He worked as a crop duster, surveyed gas pipelines, flight instructor, and charter pilot. John joined the army in 1950 where he learned to fly helicopters. He joined the Missouri National Guard in 1963. In 1976 he was promoted from Whiteman Air Force Base to Commander of the Army Aviation Support Facility in Jefferson City Missouri. He retired in 1985 earning the rank of Lt. Colonel. He then flew for Rocky Mountain Helicopters as an aeromedical pilot for Staff for Life out of Lake Ozark Hospital and University Hospital in Columbia and retired from there in 1995. In 2013 he was recognized for 50 years of flying experience and received the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. He then worked in various capacities for Millard Family Chapels. John was a member of the Elks Lodge 673, VFW Post 1003, American Legion, Retired Officers Association, the Order of Daedalians and Quiet Birdman. John enjoyed spending time with family and friends, breakfast with the guys at Mels, Squaredance, his House of Prayer family, daily walks and going to the YMCA.
He is survived by his daughter, Suzi (Jeff) Thomas of Jefferson City, 6 grandchildren Candice, Ian (Destanie), Casey, Julie, Mandy and Jolene; 11 great grandchildren Marlina, Jae, Dennis, Andy, Remi, Noah, Kyler, Kinley, Marcus, Makayla and Collin, and sister Mary Bass Spradlin of Auxvasse, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline; son Dennis Jenkins; daughter Shirlene Jenkins; and brother Roy Jenkins.
Visitation for friends and family will be Sun., March 3rd, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors with a funeral service at 2 p.m. Full military honors will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Shriners Hospital and Daedalian Foundation - to Inspire and Empower America’s Youth to become Military Aviators.
Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Mo. 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.
