Thomas J. Vining, Major, USAF (Retired)
March 07, 1943 – February 23, 1995

Longtime Alaskan Thomas “Jerry” Vining, 51, died of cancer Feb. 23, 1995, at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday at Elmendorf Air Force Base Chapel No. 1.

Mr. Vining was born March 7, 1943, in Delhi, La. He graduated from Oakdale High School in 1961 and from Louisiana Tech University in 1965. In 1965, he was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force and went on active duty. He came to Alaska in 1970 and served three tours, including his final one at Elmendorf. Mr. Vining retired as a major in 1986. He flew rescue helicopters and various aircraft. He served as a helicopter instructor pilot, instructor at Officer Training School, and master instructor in the C-130. His many decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Force Commendation Medal with oak-leaf cluster.

Maj. Vining received his master’s degree from American International College in Springfield, Mass., and applied that education in counseling. He enjoyed shooting, hunting, fishing, photography and traveling. Mr. Vining was an officer with the Anchorage Police Department briefly after retiring from the military and before opening a business, T J’s Pawn Shop, in Anchorage. He also flew for ERA Aviation and MarkAir.

A competitive shooter for the Air Force, he attended the first Arctic Winter Games as part of the Air Force team. He continued shooting competitively and was active in shooting clubs.

His family said: “He will be remembered for his generosity and helpfulness to his fellow man and that he was proud to say that he never intentionally hurt anyone. His life touched many others, and he will be missed.”

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Sylvia “Binkey” of Anchorage; daughters, Katrina and Alicia; parents, Thomas and Myrtle; brothers, Ronald and Phillip; sisters, Mary Stephenson and Peggy Ancelet, all of the Lower 48; and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 1057 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 204, Anchorage 99503; or charity of choice.

Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA

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Captain Vining served in the Vietnam War as a HH-43F pilot with Det. 4, 38th ARRS in the 1967-time frame.