JAYNE DAVID G

LTC David G. Jayne was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 10/16/2015 at the age of 86.3
Boerne, TX
Flight Class 54-D
Date of Birth 07/05/1929
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 117 AHC in 67-68, 214 CAB in 68
Call sign in Vietnam BEACH BUM 6
This information was provided by Sammie Williams

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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