Jackie Leon Wiles

 

Jackie Leon Wiles
Jackie Leon Wiles

Jackie “Jack” Leon Wiles, 84, of Amarillo, TX passed away on January 8, 2023.

Memorial services will be at 3:00 P.M., Friday, January 13, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Murray Gossett officiating. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, Amarillo.

Born in Cleveland, Oklahoma, on October 1, 1938, Jack was the first grandchild in two large families and always a much-loved son.  From his elders, he learned early to follow Jesus.  A leader in his high school at Levelland, he moved on to play football at Texas Tech University when it was still in the Southwest Conference.  At Tech he joined the ROTC, earned his BS in Biology and private pilot’s license, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force.   While at Tech, he met Patricia Wade and they married in April of 1963.

After pilot training at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, Tx, Jack’s first assignment was at Travis AFB, Fairfield, CA.  Jack excelled in piloting the C-130 and C-141, flying supplies into Viet Nam, Embassy runs around the globe as well as flying the wounded home when the C-141 was outfitted as a hospital.

Jack’s next assignment was at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM.  There Jack flew the highly specialized strategic reconnaissance RB-57F aircraft.  These aircraft were modified for high-altitude, long-range intelligence gathering. Part of his duties included high-altitude atmospheric sampling and radiation detection work in support of nuclear test monitoring. Many of these classified missions were flown above 60,000 feet, with these stratonauts in full pressure gear such as those used by NASA.

After the Air Force, Jack and his family moved to the Dallas area where for three years Jack supervised the building of the Shrike Missile at Texas Instruments.  Later the family moved to Houston and Jack began a thirty-year career with the AT&SF Railroad. He also worked with the Central Kansas Railroad and Chicago Rail Link before retiring. Jack had an expert touch with big engines.  He moved easily into supervisory roles for rail engineers and operations.

Jack was a generous, funny, reflective, amiable, empathetic, fair, smart, curious.  He was physically and mentally strong, handsome, honest, trusting, principled, and thoughtful man.  He loved studying scripture, and is well-described by Psalm 23 verse 7 which says, “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  Throughout their lives and their many moves, Jack and Pat and their children attended Christian churches.  At each one, the family quickly integrated into the congregation and made themselves useful in the Lord’s work.  Jack taught Bible classes, participated in church government, sang in choirs, and attended camps and gatherings.  He spent his retirement years leading bible studies at First Presbyterian Church, was active in the Amarillo Downtown Kiwanis, volunteered as a Docent at the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum, played tennis, and watched the Red Raiders play football.  He was an avid numismatist and a patriot.  He was a proud supporter of Second Amendment rights and had just begun a hobby as a reloader.

Jack was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Madeline Grace Wiles, his father, Jack Wiles, and his mother, Geneva McSwane.

He is survived by his wife Patricia, son Brent Wiles and wife Kim of Kerrville, TX; daughter Shannon Pfutzenreuter, and husband Todd of Scottsdale, AZ. His grandchildren include Jose and Brenna Duran-Sanchez Wiles of Lubbock; Jacob, Andrew, and Anna Pfutzenreuter of Scottsdale. He also has two great-granddaughters, Darcy Elisabeth Wiles and Maia Nayru Duran-Sanchez Wiles of Lubbock.  The family is grateful to Ussery -Roan Texas State Veterans Home and BSA Hospice who provided attentive, compassionate care to Jack. Some of the caregivers are Veronica Rios, Hortencia, Melissa, Jessica, Amanda, Casey, Jay, and many more.

8 Replies to “Jackie Leon Wiles”

  1. I met Jack at 1st Presbyterian Church here in Amarillo. It was immediately obvious that he was a deep and sincere Christian. He was also a very intelligent man, a great storyteller and a good friend. I attended a bible study class with him, and he knew the bible better than anyone I have ever known who was not a minister of the faith! I will sincerely miss him.

  2. What an incredible and prestigious life Jack lived. We were so blessed to have him as a member of the Amarillo Downtown Kiwanis and more importantly, as a friend to so many. I love how much he loved the Lord and wanted to share Christ with others. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Stephanie Pena
    President
    Amarillo Downtown Kiwanis

  3. Although I only knew him a short time, I valued his friendship.

    He was one of the most interesting and endearing men I have ever met and I will miss his stories of flying into radiation clouds and other things that not may other people will ever experience!

    The hospitality of Jack and Pat are an example for others to follow!

    I will miss him.

  4. The news of Jackie passing is so sad he truly has been an inspiration to so many of us. He shared his volume of knowledge about so many subjects he was never judmental a respectful and genuine kind man. His laughter and humor was joyus. I AM BLESSED to call him brother.
    All my love to Pat and family.

  5. So sorry to read about Jackie’s death. I was a classmate of his in Levelland. I also was a down the street neighbor of yours when you lived in Canyon. Jackie certainly had a wonderful life. Sending my prayers to you Pat and family. I was Jackie Timberlake back then.

  6. My dearest Pat and family I was saddened by the passing of Jackie but joyful that I know he is in a better place ! I read his obit and what a life he has lived !! You have a beautiful family and our thoughts and prayers are with you.all !! Love you ! ❤️. JoAnne Wiles Bowlin

  7. Lovely tribute to a man who lived a good life. Jackie will be missed. Sending prayers to Pat and all the family.

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