Jimmy D. Pinkstaff

CMSgt. USAF Retired Jimmy "Jim" Pinkstaff died peacefully at his home with his daughter by his side on June 27, 2023. Born on April 6, 1932 in Lawrence County, Illinois, Jim grew up in Lawrenceville and Pinkstaff, Illinois. Jim met the love of his life, Margaret Joleen Pinkstaff on a group date in December of 1950 while home on leave, and a mere three months later, married her in Lubbock, Texas.

In 1949, at the age of 17, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for the next 30 years.
Jim was awarded with many accolades throughout his Air Force career including multiple Air Force Commendation Medals, Meritorious Service Medals, and multiple Bronze Stars. Jim was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in 1954 as a part of the original cadre of Air Force personnel assigned to the USAF Academy. In 1955, Jim and Joleen welcomed daughter Toni Lee. After various tours of duty spent in the Canal Zone, the USAF Academy, Vietnam, Thailand, and Okinawa, Jim retired from the Air Force in 1979 and settled in Aurora, Colorado. Jim taught Air Force JROTC at Aurora Central High School for 14 years, eventually retiring in 1993.
He was known as "Chief" to many of his students who remained close to him and Jo for the years to follow. He was loved and respected by many including his nieces and nephews, former students and colleagues and extended family and friends all over the country.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Margaret Joleen; his grandson, Andrew David Smith; He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Toni Lee Pinkstaff-Smith and Bill Smith; and his granddaughter Sarah Elizabeth Gleason and her husband, Derrick Gleason.

Services at the Air Force Academy have been delayed. Please check back for an updated service day and time.