Jackie Christian Bissinger

Jack Christian Bissinger, 79, died suddenly on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at Huntsville Hospital surrounded by extended family who consistently refused to abide by the NICU policies limiting those at his side.

He was born on Tuesday, September 7, 1937 outside West Union, Ohio to Harry Christian Bissinger and Lois Melvin Bissinger. His early life was spent on the family farm working with his father. He attended West Union high school where he excelled at academics and athletics. After high school he attended Ohio University where he pursued studies in civil engineering; although his affinity for Buckeye football overrode that of the nominal program at his alma mater. Upon completion he boarded a bus with other young men his age to proceed to Fort Knox, Kentucky for testing prior to draft enlistment. Apparently the ASVAB equivalent at the time lacked rigor, he often noted that content included questions such as matching a hammer to a nail, and he received a score of 99 on the exam and was inducted.

After basic training he was stationed at Redstone Arsenal where over the course of a forty-four year career he worked on programs such as TOW, Sgt. York, SHORAD C2, Patriot, Stinger, MLRS, and Army TACMS (BAT). He managed data acquisition during feasibility testing of Sgt. York and provided T&E input to numerous RFP’s. He was instrumental in the formation of the Rocket City chapter of ITEA, serving as its president for many years. Later in his career he enjoyed his work as a chief engineer at AMCOM where he managed many legacy systems that he had contributed to during their initial development.

Survivors include wife Linda Kennedy Bissinger, the love of his life; brother Pete and wife Sharon; mother-in-law Berdia Kennedy; brother-in-law Dale Kennedy and wife Gail; children Lee Bissinger; Karen Arrington and husband Nelson; Leigh Malmede; Ryan Tyler and wife Lisa; Lynn Bissinger and Steve Spain; Ron Tyler and wife Cassie; grandchildren Scott, Sam, and Robin Malmede; Drake and Daven Tyler; Hayn and Page Arrington; Clay and Grant Tyler; dear friends Larry and Peggy Johnson; numerous nieces and nephews; and the few remnant chipmunks who managed to evade his traps.

I love and miss you Dad.