It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John Christopher Jenista who left us on December 13, 2025, at the age of 68.

Born on September 23, 1957, in Alameda, California, he was the son of John Edward Jenista, a Navy pilot, and Patricia Flynn Jenista. John passed on after a lifetime dedicated to aviation, service, and family.

At the age of 14, John began flying with his father sparking a passion that would shape his entire life. By 18, he had obtained his pilot's license and his aviation career took off from there. He earned a Master's Degree while attending the Air Command and Staff College furthering his expertise both in the sky and as a leader.

In 1985 John joined the United States Navy following in the footsteps of his father and served with distinction for 27 years. He retired as a Commander after an illustrious career that included training at the Navy's prestigious Top Gun school. He became an accomplished pilot with over 10,500 flight hours flying a variety of aircraft including jet planes and air ambulances. In addition to his role as a Navy officer, he worked as a flight instructor and a designated pilot examiner.

John was deeply proud of his legacy both as a Navy pilot and as a father. His son, John Steven Jenista, follows in his footsteps serving as a Navy dentist. The bond they shared in their dedication to service and country was a cornerstone of his life.

Aviation was not just a career for John but a lifelong passion. He owned a V-tail Bonanza which he treasured and his expertise and love of flying impacted the lives of countless students, colleagues, and friends.

He will be remembered not only as a skilled and accomplished aviator but also as a devoted husband, father, and friend. His legacy will live on in the skies, in the stories shared by those who flew with him, and in the hearts of those who loved him.

John is preceded in death by his parents, John Edward and Patricia Flynn Jenista; his brother, Joel Andrew Jenista.

Those left to cherish his memory include, his loving his wife of forty-eight years, Cindy Ann Jenista; son, John Steven Jenista (Amanda); daughter, Courtney Ann Plesher (Alex); two grandsons, John Thomas Jenista and Parker James Jenista; three sisters, Julia Jenista O'Ceallaigh, Janet Ruth Jenista (Ketana), and Jean Jenista King (Jeffrey).

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, (2276 Airport Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32504) starting with the Rosary prayer at 5:00 pm.

A graveside service will be held at 9:00 am on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Barrancas National Cemetery, those wishing to attend are asked to meet at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel at 7:45 am on Friday to line up for procession to the cemetery, the procession will depart at 8:00 am. Active pall bearers will be John Jenista, Alex Plesher, Jon Moore, Eddie Allison, Lamar Childs and Hayne Haigler. Honorary pallbearers will be John Thomas Jenista and Parker James Jenista. Full military honors will be accorded by the US Navy.

A memorial mass will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, December 19, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Young Eagle Program through FAA https://www.eaa.org/eaa/apps/donations/donationye

John's family would like to extend a heart felt thank you to family, friends, and the community for the continued support during this difficult time.