John Kevin “Jake” Neely Headed West

SSS Member John “Jake” Neely headed west July 3, 2017 after a hospitalization in Austin, TX. He was born July 12, 1931 along with his twin brother Wilson Keven, in James, Mississippi, to Eugene Garland and Effie Irene (Vernon) Neely.

Jake never met a stranger, loved life and was always laughing and joking with family and friends.

He served his Country in the USAF including a flying combat missions in Vietnam. After enlisted in the USAF in 1951 he completed Pilot training at Foster AFB in Victoria, TX in 1953. His Air Force service as a fighter pilot moved him and his family many times from Mississippi,  South Carolina, Japan,  New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma, and finally Austin, TX where he retired in May 1979.

Jake is said to have the eyes of a Hawk, and admirable trait among fighter pilot’s!

John loved flying the F-100 Super Sabre and F-104. He was awarded the Silver Star for heroism, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and many Air Medals while flying combat in the F-100.

After his retirement in Austin, John began his new career as a real estate appraiser. John was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lisa of 60 years; sons Keven Neely of Bermuda and Kyle (Jeanine) Neely of Round Rock, TX; and grandfather to Ryan and Andrew Neely.

John’s buriial is planned to be in Yazoo City, MS.

Audio Recording

 

Scroll to Top