James H. Jinks Jr.

James Henry Jinks Jr. was born March 4, 1940 in Tampa, Florida to James Henry Jinks, Sr. and Dorothy (Nipper) Johnson. He passed from this life into the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, January 30, 2018.

He joined the United States Army and served his country honorably. His service to the army included flying fixed wing aircraft and helicopters in and out of battle while serving two deployments in Vietnam saving the lives of men on and off the battlefield. His bravery and contributions earned him over 90 medals and decorations. Later in his career he flew over 20 different aircraft including the P3, G3, MD80 and Caribou. He retired with honors as a lieutenant colonel. His last years as a pilot were spent flying commercially abroad for Saudia Airlines and at home for Continental Airlines.

Upon retiring from the military he continued serving as a liaison officer to West Point United States Military Academy and trained infantry and cavalry at Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was awarded The Meritorious Service Award for outstanding service as a citizen soldier of the U.S. Army Reserve. His service was characterized by selfless dedication and great personal commitment enhancing the effectiveness of the Ready Reserve.

James was a member of the First Baptist Church in the Villages, and a 32nd° Mason of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry at Arlington lodge #309. He was an active pilot and member of Free Flight International Airport where he spent much of his time and energy upgrading the facilities and doing what he loved - flying.

He was a seasoned pilot, avid fisherman and loved to play golf but his true passion was taking his great grandchildren on their first airplane ride and challenging them to study and memorize scripture. He had a pretty generous hand with the ice cream too. You never left grandpa's house without finding a few dollars stuffed into the side pocket of your jacket or purse.

James was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans of the Major General William D. McCain Camp 584 fighting heritage battles and building museums. He was honored to receive the Cross of Military Service - Vietnam from the United Daughters of the Confederacy. James was honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution in recognition of his valor, service and sacrifice during the Vietnam war.

James is survived by his loving wife Robbie (Lee Mason) sisters Joan Stokes and Judith Radi (husband Allan) Daughters Judy Brown (husband Tom) and Kathie Lee, grandchildren: Mandi Kelloway (husband Jason) Timothy Sox Jr. (Wife LeeAnn) Joshua Shiver (wife Rebekah) Kayla Mims (husband Justin) Great Grandchildren: Dillan, Rylee, Carson, Landon, James David and Mateo. Nieces: Linda (Walker) Speiser, Debra Walker, Elizabeth Radi and Sherry Bynum (husband Bill) Nephews: Richie Triolo, Bruce Schmucker and Brian Schmucker (wife Sylvia) and Allan Radi Jr. along with cousins Hope Jinks, Dennis Jinks Jr. (wife Gail) Julie Hornsby (husband Joey) Betsy Leftkovits (husband Ken), other cousins, their children and many dear friends.

A viewing will take place at Hardage Giddens - Riverside Memorial Park st 7242 Normandy Blvd. at 11 AM on Monday, February 5, 2018. The funeral service will follow at 12:30 PM and for those who would like to attend he will be laid to rest in the Jacksonville National Cemetery on Lannie Road at 2:30 PM. We will gather with friends and family for a meal at the Westside Baptist Church on Herlong around 3:30 PM thank you for your condolences and your prayers. You may leave words of comfort and sympathy at www.HGRiversideFuneralHome.com . HARDAGE-GIDDENS, RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL PARK and FUNERAL HOME, 7242 Normandy Boulevard is serving the family.