More detail on this person: George "Jake"
Benjamin III was the only child born to Viola
McGriff and the late George Benjamin II on October
27, 1939 in Millen, Georgia. On Tuesday morning,
January 1, 2013, at the age of 73 Jake departed
this life at Keck Medical Center at the University
of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA.
Jake spent his early years in Baltimore, MD. After
high school, he attended Morgan State University
as a math/chemistry major. He enlisted in the
United States Army and served three tours of duty
in Vietnam as a dedicated, qualified and highly
accomplished aviator. His rotary-wing experience
included qualifications in the AH-1G [Cobra],
UH1-B [Huey] and UH-60 [Black Hawk] helicopters.
He was also qualified as a fixed wing aviator in
the U-8 [Seminole] and U-21 [Ute] aircraft.
During his three decades of military service, Jake
served in numerous and various capacities. He
served as a pilot, flight instructor, executive
officer and group commander at many military
bases across the United States. Jake retired from
the United States Army, Aviation Branch, with the
rank of Colonel in 1999.
His numerous military awards and service medals
include: the Meritorious Service Medal w/Third
Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal w/Second Leaf
Cluster, Air Medal w/Numeral 5 device, Army
Commindation Medal w/Third Leaf Cluster, National
Defense Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with
Ten Year Device and Senior Army Aviator Badge.
Jake married Mamie Adams in December 1970.
From that union, one son was born, George "Benji"
Benjamin, IV. California became home for the
Benjamin's in 1974 as Jake entered into his
civilian career with the General Electric Company.
During his civilian career as Western District
Manager for General Electric Aircraft Engines
Business Group, he coordinated the engine/airframe
programs with various aircraft manufacturers. His
impressive career with GE spanned over 38 years.
Jake was a loving husband, father, grandfather,
son and lifetime soldier. Jake lived and loved
life to the fullest and in grand style. He was a
loyal and trusted friend, world traveler, great
storyteller and a more than avid golfer.
George "Jake" Benjamin, III leaves to cherish his
loving memory: his wife of 42 years, Mamie Adams
Benjamin, two sons: Tyrone Benjamin of Laguna
Hills, California and George "Benji" Benjamin
(Tricia) of Cave Creek, Arizona, mother, Viola
McGriff of Laguna Hills, California, 2 grandsons,
Kyle and Isaiah Benjamin of Cave Creek, Arizona,
one niece, Pamela Gant of Washington, DC and
one nephew, Edward Sowell of Costa Mesa,
California. Jake will be greatly missed by many
other family and friends who cherished and loved
him dearly.
Lovingly submitted by Jake's Family
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/11/2023
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