Jack Firse, 86 (but forever 29 at heart), Retired Lt. Colonel of the United States Air Force, Heroic Helicopter Rescue Pilot, Air Force Cross and Silver Star recipient, Member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Sailboat Captain, College Instructor, Master Wood Worker, consummate Magician, Chair of Regional Square Dance Convention, undisputed King of Story Telling, and the World’s Best Santa Claus, finally traded his flight suit for angel wings on September 29, 2024. Jack lived a life filled with laughter, love, and lots of questionable jokes, but most of all, he lived his life as an adventure - preferably on the water or dressed as Santa. 

Jack’s most notable accomplishment – beyond his thousands of flight hours and hundreds of rescue missions – was, of course, his groundbreaking introduction of Jiffy Pop to a remote tribe in New Guinea, forever changing the culinary landscape of indigenous snacking. 

Jack was married to the love of his life, (Mrs. Claus herself) Shirley Grund Firse for 65 years of what can only be described as a lively and laughter filled marriage. Together they raised three daughters - Cheryl Firse, Karen Pinkston and Jill Firse - who like their father, inherited his outgoing, kind spirit and his ability to turn any situation into an adventure. 

He is survived by his favorite Son-In-Law Ronnie Pinkston, who has spent years valiantly trying to live up to the impossible expectations of marrying Santa’s daughter. Ronnie still claims he’s never gotten on the Nice List despite shoveling the North Pole driveway every winter and assembling more toys than all the elves combined.

Jack leaves behind a fleet of elves: His grandchildren Angela McElroy, John McElroy, Catherine McElroy, Trevor Pinkston, Katie Pinkston, Tyler Pinkston, Taylor Pinkston and Abby Pinkston. His great grandchildren: Ava Everett, Zoe Everett, Scarlett McElroy, Vivian McElroy, Olivia Pinkston, Owen Pinkston and Blakely Pinkston, who will no doubt inherit his ability to charm, laugh, and commit acts of bravery wherever they go.

Though he’s gone, Jack will always be remembered as a hero, a humorist, and a legend who knew how to land both helicopters and punch lines with absolute precision.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Shiloh Church, 210 S. Main Street, Shiloh, IL 62269. Final internment will be at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, buy lunch for a veteran and always leave cookies and milk for Santa.