John A. Firse, USAF (Retired)
November 05, 1937 – September 29, 2024

John Albert “Jack” Firse, Retired Lieutenant Colonel and Full-Time Santa, Takes His Final Sleigh Ride
Jack Firse, 86 (but forever 29 at heart), Retired Lieutenant 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, November 9, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Shiloh Church, 210 S. Main Street, Shiloh, IL 62269, with Pastor Ken Hutchens officiating. A brief reception will follow. Final interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery.

Online stories and condolences may be shared at www.wfh-ofallon.com. In lieu of flowers, buy lunch for a veteran and always leave cookies and milk for Santa.

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As a Captain, John A. Firse served a tour in the Vietnam War as a HH-3E pilot with 38th ARRS, Det. 5 and 37th ARRS, Det. 2 & 1 in the 1966–1967-time frame. During his tour Capt. Firse was awarded The Air Force Cross for his actions on June 11, 1967, during the rescue of the crew of an A-1E. He is also known to have been awarded The Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Cross awards among numerous other awards and decorations.