It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce Colonel Jack Linsea, USAF (Ret.), a distinguished B-52 Stratofortress Aircraft Commander, took his final flight on July 7, 2026.

Born on June 15, 1941, his journey spanned from the small town of Holt, Michigan, to the skis over Vietnam and around this great country to his final days in Central Florida. Colonel Linsea commanded the skies with absolute precision, protecting our nation's freedom from the cockpit of the Stratofortress. He spent over 2 decades serving his country and masterfully piloting the mighty BUFF, as well as, other aircraft in the USAF fleet. A true leader, his steady hand at the controls as a decorated pilot was matched only by his devotion to his family and country.

His love of planes and flying began as a child and he joined the USAF as an officer after graduating from Michigan State University and commissioned through the Air Force ROTC Program. He dedicated years of his life to defending the skies of this nation, serving with honor, courage, and integrity. He was a true warrior and patriot, and leaves behind a history of proud service.

He leaves a legacy forged in the skies over Vietnam, championed in the halls of Congress, and engineered in the defense of our nation. His leadership extended far beyond the cockpit.

Believing deeply in the men and women of our military, he testified before Congress multiple times to secure critical funding for modern USAF aircraft and advanced defense systems including the B-1B strategic bombers, KC-10 tanker and major modernization efforts on the B-52, FB-111 and KC-135 aircrafts, shaping the future of American air superiority.

Upon his well-earned military retirement, Colonel Linsea brought his expertise to Orlando, Florida. At Martin Marietta, he spent years involved in the development of missile defense systems, continuing his lifelong mission to keep our nation safe.

Yet, for all his professional triumphs, his greatest joy and ultimate love resided in his home. He was a family man in the truest sense and loved his wife and children beyond measure. He, along with their mom, was their children’s ultimate supporter, their proudest cheerleader, and an irreplaceable role model whose guidance was unwavering. He loved his family and spending time hunting, boating, water skiing, snow skiing, vacationing together, celebrating milestones, birthdays and holidays and just being together. He joins his beautiful wife, high school sweetheart and soulmate of 63 years, Judith, in Heaven (d. 1/17/2026) and is survived by his beloved children, Steve (Terri) Linsea, Sherri Linsea Riley (Patrick); grandchildren, Blake, Taylor, Caden, (Linsea) Steven, Christopher (Catineau), DeAnne, Maggie and Jimmy (Riley); niece, Cathy Jugovic (Tom); nephews, Mikel Spraker and Rob Spraker (Laura) and many wonderful friends.

May his memory be a blessing and one of quiet dignity and respect and may his legacy be forever secured in the bedrock of American freedom. He was a man who spoke through his actions and quietly shaped the world around him with skill, thoughtfulness, devotion and integrity. He was a humble man and never boasted about his accomplishments, he just loved and believed in what he did. His presence was a comfort and a joy, and his memory a guiding light of his endearing qualities of hard work, success, humor, fun, love and family.

With honor, courage, and a lifelong love for the skies, Colonel Linsea has cleared the runway for his final approach into eternity. Colonel, you are cleared for your final flight. May the winds be at your back; Clear skies and tailwinds forever. Godspeed on your next journey.

In lieu of flowers Donations can be made in his honor to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, an organization dedicated to honoring the sacrifice of our nation’s first responders and military service members and their families or Cornerstone Hospice.

Funeral arrangements are under the careful care of Allen J. Harden Funeral Home.