More detail on this person: David G. Jayne was
an ordinary man who lived an extraordinary life.
He was born in Painesville, Ohio on July 5th 1929.
He had an idyllic childhood growing up on the
shores of Lake Erie surrounded by several
generations of family. He graduated from Mentor
High in Mentor, Ohio and is recognized in their
alumni Hall of Fame. David went to Kent State
University and graduated with a degree in Business
Administration in 1952. While there, he met the
love of his life, Jane Miller. They married August
18, 1951. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into
the military and learned to fly. As a pilot, he
was assigned to the Inter-American Geodetic
Survey (IAGS) where he went to the Canal Zone in
Panama and Guatemala City to map the remote
regions of those countries. On Valentine's Day in
1959, his helicopter crashed while taking off.
After two weeks in the hospital in Guatemala and
riddled with gangrene, he was stable enough to be
transported to Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC)
Burn Ward for treatment of his injuries. After 3
and 1/2 years and 28 operations to rebuild his
facial features and hands, he was determined to go
back to flying for the Army. The wisdom of his
doctor to save his middle finger on his fused
right hand gave him hope. While many said he
could not do it, he was not going to be told no.
David had to prove to himself and others that he
would not succumb to his disabilities. He was
required to the pass the rigorous Astronaut
Training Exam and additional pilot training before
being reinstated as a pilot. That was just the
beginning of David's continued career. He was
stationed in Caracas, Venezuela to continue his
work with the IAGS mapping the countryside around
the Amazon. In 1967, David volunteered for Vietnam
as a company commander and was promoted to
battalion commander while there. In 1970 he
retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He pursued a 2nd
career by attending law school at St. Mary's
University. He interned and worked at Tinsman &
Houser law firm. While there, David became a
Christian and found a passion for helping others.
As a plaintiff attorney, he was able to assist
victims of burn accidents as well as estate
planning.
Both Jane and David volunteered at the Burn Ward
at BAMC. Recognizing the need to help burn
victims as well as their families they started the
Texas Burn Survivors Society (TBSS). They were
not only dedicated to helping others who were
burned, but were inspirational to many who had
given up on life. He said, "If I could bottle
determination and sell it, I would be a
millionaire. The outlook you have is so important
- much more important than your physical
condition." The Jaynes have changed the perception
of people who were burned from "victims" to
"survivors". David and Jane had a special place in
their hearts for children. They started a camp,
later named "Camp David," for burned children and
their siblings to learn how to heal both
physically and emotionally. For many, this was the
first time they had encountered other children who
had suffered burns. The kids are able to
participate in activities like fishing, canoeing,
horseback riding and arts & crafts. They also meet
firefighters, many of whom have rescued children
from fires. Camp David celebrated its 20th
anniversary this year. TBSS also sponsors a
marriage retreat for soldiers and their spouses to
reconnect as well as other community programs.
One way David rehabilitated his hands was by
making mosaic tables. In association with the
Wounded Warriors and the Burn Ward, David and
Jane began a center for patients and their
families to make mosaic tables. This activity
increases camaraderie, develops fine motors skills
in the hands, helps to heal traumatic brain
injuries and provides a sense of accomplishment.
While David was in the hospital, the Alamo Heights
United Methodist Church Outreach (AHUMC)
supported and cared for the Jayne family. Through
this kindness David and Jane became members of
AHUMC and were actively involved for 46 years.
They were dedicated members with many beloved
friends. Since they centered their lives at
church, they will be inurned together at the
columbarium.
David was an avid golfer and credits much of his
recovery to golf and never lost his love for the
game. When he was young, and the nights were
long and cold in Ohio, he would gather friends to
play ping pong in the basement for hours at a
time. He also loved tennis, skiing and bridge. He
was an expert griller and loved feeding crowds.
David was preceded in death by his wife of 63
years, Jane Jayne. He is survived by three
children and their spouses: Michael David Jayne
and Leah, Leisa Jayne Durrett and Allen and Laura
Jayne Stawarz and Mark; five grandchildren and
spouses: Michael Lawrence Jayne and wife,
Rosalee, Trevor Allen Jayne, Stewart Allen Durrett
and wife, Megan, Teel Durrett, and Russell Eldon
Durrett; six great-grand-children: Elena Jayne,
Myra Tomlin, Allee Tomlin, David Ethan Jayne,
Trinity Christine Jayne and Emma Jayne Durrett
and his brother Larry Jayne.
David shared of himself to those in need. He will
be missed, but never forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Texas
Burn Survivors Society, 8531 N. New Braunfels,
San Antonio, TX 78217
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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