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In Memory

Jimmy Lloyd Burks-Austin - Class Of 1974 VIEW PROFILE

Jimmy Lloyd Burks-Austin

 

     

Lloyd James Austin, “Jimmy” beloved father, son, brother, brother-in-law, nephew, uncle, cousin, and friend passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center surrounded by family. He was born to Aaron and Betty Austin on February 8, 1956, in South Bend, IN. He graduated from John Adams High School in 1974. He accepted Christ at an early age and attended the Berean SDA church in South Bend, IN.

Jimmy enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1974. He attended recruit training at Orlando, FL graduating in October 1974.

Jimmy achieved the highest rank for enlisted personnel in the US Navy; E9/ Master Chief. Master Chief Austin (Flag Writer) served in the Navy for 32 years retiring in 2006. During his career, he served various assignments beginning with the USS MIDWAY aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan; Coastal River Division ELEVEN, Mare Island, Vallejo, Ca, USS SARATOGA, Mayport FL, The Office of the Secretary of Defense, Office of The Chief of Naval Operations, The Commandant Naval District Washington, Pentagon, Washington DC, Commander Carrier Group SIX/ FORRESTAL Battle Group, Mayport FL, The Office of USCINCLANT - Director of Joint Operations in Norfolk, VA, Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group EIGHT, USS EISENHOWER Battle Group, The Office of Deputy Commander in Chief for US Atlantic Fleet, The Office of Chief of Naval Operations, The Office of Supreme Allied Commander, The Office of Atlantic/Commander in Chief U.S. Atlantic Command and The Office of Commander Joint Forces Command. He also served in The Office of the Commander Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, IL, and the Office of the Vice Chief of Naval Education and Training. Jimmy served in some of the nation's hottest war zones including Vietnam, Desert Storm, and SUPPORT DEMOCRACY off the coast of Haiti.

Everyone that knew Jimmy knew and understood that he took his work very seriously and that he was a very neat, orderly, and pristine man, yes, even at home with his pantry being alphabetically organized. He achieved the rank of E9 in 14 years of service which normally takes 20-21 years to achieve. Because of his diligence, hard work, and excellence in performance, he was selected to attend Flag Writer School where he learned dictation, shorthand, and other top-level administrative techniques. Following Flag Writer school he served as a Flag Writer (in civilian terms - Executive Administrative Assistant) for 1, 2, 3, and 4 Star Navy Admirals.

During his career he was a highly decorated Sailor, his chest was full of medals and ribbons that showcased various awards and high recognitions including Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with 3 gold stars, Joint Service Achievement Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, Navy Achievement Medal, Military Outstanding Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal with a silver star and numerous other campaign, unit awards, and citations.  

Jimmy was exemplary in his Naval service and a great example to his family. When Jimmy went to the US Navy he was the inspiration for his brother Aaron (Petey) to join the Navy, Michael, US Air Force, Dennis, US Army, Keith, and Brent US Navy, and Carmen, US Air Force.

Jimmy leaves a loving and supportive family to cherish his memories; his loving daughter Jayla Austin, Pensacola, FL, and dear mother Betty Austin, South Bend, IN, 3 brothers Michal, Columbus, GA, Dennis, Sioux City, IA, and Aaron USN Retired (Janice), Benton, AR 4 sisters Darice (Carlis) Phillips South Bend, IN-(Jimmy’s caretaker), Debra (Alex) Horton Southhaven, MS, Lisa and Leslie Austin, Hazel Green, AL along with 2 brother/cousins Keith (Sonia) Dozier, Royersford, PA and Brent (Paris) Williams, South Bend, IN and sister/cousin Carmen (Paul) Davis, Hernando, MS, Aunts, Emma Robinson, Gwen McIntosh, Essie Melton, Georgia (Frank) Murphy, Ernestine Burrell, Mae (Larry) Hall and Loneatus Austin along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends that he shared love with and will miss his presence.

Preceding him in death, father, Aaron Austin Jr., paternal grandparents, Aaron & Martha Austin, and maternal grandparents Robert Burks and Louise Burks-Bailey.

05/11/2023 GMS



Click here to see Jimmy Lloyd's last Profile entry.