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: 08/31/2024
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