Robert Quentin Jameson of Fernandina Beach, FL passed away on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022 at the age of 86. Captain Bob, as he was known to family and his community, was loved by many and was often sharing stories of his days as a Navy pilot and Delta Airlines Captain.
Bob was born in Bancroft, IA on Aug. 21, 1936 to his parents the late Mildred Powers Jameson and Quentin Jameson. Bob was raised in Emmetsburg and was the oldest of four boys. Growing up he and his brothers were often found fishing at Five Island Lake or hunting pheasants or rabbits. He played football at Emmetsburg Catholic High School as well as at Palo Alto Junior College where he attended for two years. Bob’s brothers will tell you he was most known for his infatuation with flying, even from an early age. Perhaps his work ethic and punctuality came from his passion to fly. In order to cover his flight instructions, Bob was always saving. He worked from the age of 11 years old when he and his brother Richard shared a paper route. As soon as he was old enough, Bob worked at McNamara’s Furniture in both sales and delivery. Bob used to talk about his days working as an usher at the Iowa Theatre in Emmetsburg, making $2.35 a week. He was thrilled when he received a promotion to Projectionist earning $10 a week.
After graduating from Palo Alto, Navy recruiters came to Emmetsburg. All they had to do was tell him they would teach him how to fly and show him the world; Bob was hooked. He went to Officers Candidate School and was soon in the Aerial Photography Squadron. He was assigned to Guam where missions included flights to Japan and Korea. They surveyed the Pacific Islands with aerial photography to create accurate maps of the region.
After his time in California at the Naval Air Station in Lemoore, Bob, a Vietnam veteran, moved to Atlanta, GA in August of 1964 when he became a Captain with Delta Airlines. During his early days with Delta, Bob earned his bachelor’s in international business through a correspondent’s degree with Barry University, Miami. His dedication to his education did not stop there. He provided each of his five children with the opportunity to attend Catholic High School as well as pursue a college degree. He also had a love for travel and shared his passion with his children and grandchildren. His stories were grand, sharing the many experiences he provided his family throughout his years. Whether he spoke of his days of service in Guam where he was the only one to bring his car, his time in south Atlanta where he raised his children on a 10 acre farm, the move to Ireland for a year in the early 1970’s, the numerous trips he took his family on thanks to Delta Airlines, and his last nearly 30 years where he spent his retirement in Fernandina Beach, attended breakfast with his fellow ROMEOs, his friends at MOAA, or his years attending St. Francis of Assisi Mission Catholic Church, Bob could keep you intrigued over a cup of coffee or a cocktail.
When Bob was 23 years old, his father died; and he lost his brother Richard not too long after. Bob always had a place in his heart for those who did not have a father, or who had lost a loved one. Although he had the exterior of a Navy fighter pilot, he had a kind, generous, and genuine heart especially towards those in need of help; and he had a quiet and humble way of assisting others in need.
Supporting his children and grandchildren was his upmost goal. He loved each and every one of his five children so very much, and he was a very proud grandfather to his nine grandchildren.
Robert Jameson is survived by his brothers John (Donna) and Tom; his children Patrick (Angie), Robert, Kevin (Margie), Jackie, and Eileen. His grandchildren; Johnny, Ashley, Timothy, Emily, Matthew, Nicolas, Ian, Ivy, Grace, and great granddaughter, Aubrey. Numerous nieces and nephews and so many friends and extended family members.
Captain Bob’s life will be celebrated with a Funeral Mass on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission, 86000 St. Francis Way, Yulee, Florida 32097. Family and friends are invited to join the family at a reception following the Funeral Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests considering a donation to Bob’s Parish, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission. https://www.stfrancisyulee.com
At a later date, per Bob’s request, his ashes will be spread at sea by the U.S. Navy.
Thank you to Oxley-Heard of Fernandina Beach, Florida for their assistance at this difficult time.
Please share your memories and condolences at:
www.oxleyheard.com
