John Irvin Brinkley

John was born on November 16, 1946, to Herman H. Brinkley and Annie "Louise" Brinkley in Portsmouth, VA. At 16 years old, John’s passion for airplanes led him to join the United States Air Force in September 1963, kicking off a 35-year career in aviation.

In 1962, he met Carol (Ashley) Brinkley, and they wed in 1964, where they would share more than 60 years. The couple has two children, Lisa Hays and Wes Brinkley. Additionally, they had five grandchildren, Brittany, Jay, Samantha, Corey, and Jesse, and one great-grandson, Bennett.

John served in the Air Force, where he was stationed at MacDill AFB in Florida and later Davis Monthan AFB in Arizona. As an F-4 Phantom Crew Chief, he had the opportunity to meet some of the early legends of up-and-coming jet engine aircraft. His Wing Commander was Colonel Frank “Pete” Everest, also known as "Speedy Pete," the Fastest Man Alive. John also crewed the F-4 when future four-star general Chappy James was requalified in the Phantom. After completing his enlistment, John and his wife Carol returned to their home state of Virginia. John briefly worked for Ford Motor Company in the Norfolk plant but soon returned to working with planes, this time for the Navy. He worked on the F-14 Tomcat at Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia and in 1996 he and Carol moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where he worked on F-18 Hornets until his retirement in 2005.

Over the years, John has had a variety of interests and hobbies. He spent several years coaching and supporting his children in softball and baseball. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching sports, and briefly working with stained glass. John loved to travel, with some of his favorite destinations including Richmond, Williamsburg, and Key West. Since childhood, he has been passionate about fast cars and even saw a few races at Daytona. Additionally, John has a strong interest in politics, recognizing how government actions can have a profound effect on our lives. He actively followed government news and events and took a lively interest in learning about our government’s actions.

John's greatest passion was his family, especially his wife Carol, whom he adored for over 60 years, along with their children and grandchildren.

John is predeceased by his parents, Herman and Louise. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol; his two children, Lisa (John) Hays and Wes (Robin) Brinkley; five grandchildren, Jay (Bre) Hays, Brittany (Brandon Blizzard), Samantha, Corey, and Jesse; and one great-grandson, Bennett Hays, and his sister, Kathy Brinkley.

The family is hosting a gathering for John on Saturday, 24 February at 12:00pm at the St Johns Forest Clubhouse.