The passing of my Hero...

[Ztex]

My uncle Captain G. N. Jones (USAAF Ret.) passed away over the weekend.
Most of you all here have heard me speak of him. He was a B-24 Pilot in the 465th BG 783rd BS, Cerginola Italy, 1944-1945

He will be buried in the DFW National Cemetery on Wednesday.

I grew up with my dad on one side. He worked for North American in Dallas building the best airplanes in the world!

And on the other side was my moms brother, Nathan. He was a cantankerous fellow but he always had time to answer my questions about his WWII experiences. We talked about training at Wink and Pampa, about flying low level cross country in a B-24, about buzzing the school in his home town of Meadow, TX ( they waved their finger at him over that one)
He told me of the ugly part of war, helping to clean up the airplane full of friends that crashed on take off, of guys not coming home. He told me of seeing a jet fighter one day...thankfully a long way off, just tracking them. He had great pride in his service and of flying the B-24, IFR made him sweat but the rest was great fun.

He bought me my first B-17 ride (although he was not real happy about me riding in that "ugly airplane" )

I'm gonna miss him. MY own personal Hero!









And a picture of my mom and her brothers Wendell (USN WWII) and Nathan...
They are all gone now...the passing of a generation.



Thanks for indulging me...

Z

[Second Air Force]

Our condolences to you and your family Zane.

Scott and Ellen

[The Inspector]

My deepest sympathy over your loss, I'm certain many other WIXers will join me in celebrating his life and accomplishments, including helping to turn a starry eyed kid into the man he is today. I just went through this with my dad so I understand your sense of loss and deep hurt-it will get better my friend, time is a wonderful healer. Have courage!

Bill D.

[hang the expense]

Zane,That was very touching.Cherish the memories.

[LadyO2Pilot]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Zane.

[Zachary]

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

[tom d. friedman]

great pics. you'll wear them out fast as you sound like me with missing my dad. you've got the pics, the pride of your close relatives service, & the great memories he gave you. he left you with plenty of heart!

[Robbie Stuart]

Zane, please accept my condolences and prayers on your loss, & blessings to those few left who fought for us then. They are the "Greatest Generation", & we are fortunate for their sacrifice. May they never be forgotten.
Robbie

Last edited by Robbie Stuart on Tue Dec 15, 2009 11:27 am, edited 1 time in total.

[Nathan]

The 1941 HAG museum would like to send our condolences. Sorry for your loss.

[the330thbg]

Fly safe, mate!!!!

Warmest regards,

S. Smisek

[Pat Carry]

God's speed Captain Jones!

[Lynn Allen]

Zane, I also would like to offer my condolences and prayers on your loss......

Lynn

[Bill Greenwood]

That is a fine story of your uncle, sounds like "duty carried out" which is a phrase the British guys use to say the job was well done.

[mustangdriver]

Zane i am sorry to hear of your loss. Please know the thoughts of me and my family are with you and yours.

[L. Thompson]

I met a veteran crew chief in my mom's neighborhood 2 years ago who had some good photos from this Bomb Group. He let me scan them from a large (90-some page album). What was the name of his B-24 or B-24's that he flew missions in? And/or: Do you have any of the tail numbers?