James C. Jehle ’55

Jim died July 22, 2019, in Englewood, Fla. He was 85. His wife of 65 years, Helga, was by his side.

Jim was born Oct. 17, 1933, in Brooklyn, N.Y. While at Brooklyn Tech, he was president of the 3,000 men in the student body. At Princeton, Jim was a member of Cannon Club and played lacrosse. He served as a captain in the Air Force and enjoyed a 31-year career at Grumman Aerospace as an engineer and administrator.

Jim spent many memorable and joyful years living and raising his family in idyllic Shoreham Village, on Long Island. There he served as president of the country club and trustee and mayor of the village. After retirement, Jim and Helga moved to Englewood. Many happy years of family gatherings and fun times provided precious memories for his family.

Jim and Helga were happy to have found a church home at St. Mark’s in Venice. They served the Lord together in various capacities, including home visitations. Jim was an example of servant leadership, and he had a sweet, loving, and kind manner. The world needs more men like Jim Jehle.

He is survived by his childhood sweetheart, Helga; his children, Craig, Derek, and Helga, and their spouses; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister Joan; and brother Stephen and his wife, Barbara.