Jesse H. Jernigan

Jesse H. Jerningan, 83, was born November 23, 1927 in Paragould and passed away April 13, 2011 in Oklahoma. His first love was aviation. His first flight was June 25, 1944 and first solo flight was November 6, 1944 at the age of 16 at Detroit City airport. His last flight was March 1, 2011 from Gundys Airport in Owasso, OK to Berryville, AR., roundtrip. He enjoyed 67 years in the air. He was hired in as co-pilot DC-3 Capital Airlines in Willow Run, MI on June 27, 1951. He retired February 9, 1986, flying B747 United Airlines, Narita Japan-ORD. In 2005, he received FAA Master Pilot Award for 60 years accident free flying. He logged 25,110 flight hours during his life. He was raised to the Degree of Master Mason on February 16, 1951 and loyally served as a Master Mason for sixty years. He served in the US Army 1946-1948 post WWII occupation Italy. He served in the US Air Force 1949-1950 class of 50E flying the AT-6. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his son: Dennis Jernigan of Owasso, OK; daughter-in-law: Erma Jernigan of Owasso, OK; grandson: Maj. Bryan Jernigan, USAF of Okiniwa, Japan; granddaughter: Deana Jernigan of Oklahoma City, OK; uncle: James Jernigan of Little Rock, AR; significant other: Val Hadden of Bartlesville, OK. Visitation will be from 2:00-6:00 PM Sunday at Heath Funeral Home. His life will be celebrated 2:00 PM Monday at a graveside service at Clark's Chapel Cemetery. To sign online guestbook, go to www.heathfuneralhome.com.