Charles Joseph Jirik

Charles was born May 2, 1931 to Vincent John Jirik and Fern Maureen Jirik. Charles was the third child of 11. Charles grew up in a very structured and hardworking home. Charles learned to work hard, work long and work smart. Precision was paramount to Charles. This trait carried on with him throughout Charles' life.

Charles grew up on a farm working hard and long. He attended school at a one-room schoolhouse through until the 8th grade. He eventually went on to graduate from OU with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering.

Charles served in the U.S. Army as a Captain and he was honorably discharged. During the revolution in Venezuela, Charles was working in the oil fields. He had a major role in the creation of our National Strategic Petroleum Reserves.

In 1957 he soloed his first day of flight training under the tutelage of Burrell Tibbs, same instructor that taught Wiley Post, Will Rogers' pilot, how to fly. Charles is most known for his flying abilities. He could fly most anything with powered flight. Charles taught untold numbers of student pilots how flying is supposed to be done. Logging 26,421 flight hours over the years.

Charles loved & worshipped the Lord of all Creation, Jesus Christ. He would want you to know that Jesus died, was buried and rose again for the atonement of your sins, and that you can have eternal life through Jesus. He would also want you to know that Jesus is the truth, the life, the door. No man comes to the father except through him.

Charles had a wealth of knowledge and wisdom and was a joy to be around. His presence with us will truly be missed but now he is present with our Lord Jesus.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent John Jirik Sr. and Fern Maureen Jirik; brother, Vincent John Jirik Jr.; sisters, Betty McCullough, Mary Ann Hunt and Catherine Bargers; former wife, Dee Jirik; son, Scotty Jirik and sister-in-law, Janice Jirik.

He is survived by daughter, Rita Johns; son, Johnny Wayne Jirik; granddaughter, Charisse Johns; sisters, Sue Hay, Rose Margaret Vertrees, Evelyn Jirik, Janice King, and Patricia Goodpasture and husband Gary; brother, Johnny Jirik and wife Deborah and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends.

A visitation for Charles will be held March 27, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Calvary Hill Funeral Home followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. A committal service will occur March 27, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Calvary Hill Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, Texas 75220.