Jimmie Milton Jernigan

Jimmie was born November 14, 1920 in Houston, Texas to Alfred Carey (Ace) Jernigan and Nora Minnie (Bailey) Jernigan.

He joined the United States Air Force in 1943 as a 2nd Lieutenant and retired from active duty in 1972 as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his military career he completed various military schools and studies including Squadron Operations, Personnel Management, Advanced Adjutant, Squadron Officers School and Air Staff Officer School.

During World War II Jimmie was a tactical fighter pilot in Germany, completing 75 missions. From 1949 to 1958 he served as a Squadron Ops Officer in Japan and a Commander in Korea, completing 115 missions. His final tour of duty was during the Vietnam war, at Nakon Phenom Air Base in Thailand where he completed combat tour flying H-53 rescue helicopters.

He was the recipient of numerous commendations including:

• Distinguished Flying Cross with four oak leaf clusters

• Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters

• Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster

• WWII Victory Medal

• United Nations Korean Service Medal

• Korean Service Medal with one bronze star and one silver star

• Republic of Korea War Service Medal

• Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars

• American Campaign Medal

• Army of Occupation Medal

• Armed Forces Reserve Medal

What a life! Exploring the world and witnessing so much history right before his eyes! He was a veracious reader, history buff; loved boating, fishing, and hand watering the lawn from his favorite outdoor chair. His drink of choice was Scotch.

Give Jimmie a good book and a glass of Scotch and he was set.

Jimmie is survived by his loyal, loving and patient wife of 66 years, Carol M. Jernigan.

His four daughters: Gail Worrell, Jan Taylor, Jill Jernigan and Lynn Jernigan.

Military Graveside Services will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Cook Walden Memorial Hill Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to any Veteran’s charitable organization.