Juris "George" Jaunitis passed away on May 26th. George was born in Riga, Latvia, on March 4, 1940. George's family immigrated to the U.S. when George was 10, and lived in Lincoln, Nebraska. George supported his family by working various jobs in and around Lincoln, Nebraska.

George married his high school sweetheart, Janet in 1964. George graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1965, and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army where He served as a platoon leader and troop commander with 1st Squadron, 2d Armored Cavalry. He was then assigned to Vietnam with the 17th Cavalry, 173d Airborne Brigade. He then served as an assistant S-3, 197th Infantry Brigade and company commander 4th Battalion, 69th Armor.

George and Janet's first child, Lisa, was born in 1968. George then served his second tour in Vietnam with 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry, and 4th Infantry Division. George and Janet's second child, Michelle, was born in 1972.

During his military career served as an ROTC instructor, platoon leader, company commander, squadron XO and squadron commander, battalion commander and recruiting commander. George was selected for promotion to Colonel and attendance to Army War College. He retired due health reasons at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

LTC Jaunitis' awards and decorations include 6 Bronze Star's with "V" Device, 2 Meritorious Service Clusters, Air Medal, 2 Army Commendation Medal's with"V"Device, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Civic Actions Unit Citation, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Parachutist Badge. His military education included Armor Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, Jungle Warfare School, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Defense Language Institute (Thai) and the Armed Forces Staff College. During his career in the Army LTC Jaunitis' command time totaled 54 months.

After retiring, LTC Jaunitis became a partner in Laser Engineering Incorporated where he worked for over 20 years.

George was a kind and loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. His strength, courage and faithful heart helped him through the most difficult times in his life. He was a man of Honor, Compassion, and Courage. He is our Hero.

George is survived by his wife Janet, daughter's Lisa Johnson and her husband Clinton, of Tulsa, Ok and Michelle Cutbirth and her husband Michael, of Rockledge, Florida. Grandchildren, Conner and Noah Johnson, and Jacob and Joshua Cutbirth. Sister Inta Rave and her husband Andrej, and nephew Martin Rave, Chicago IL. Cousins Visvaldis, Andrew, and Peter Golde of Canada.

Viewing is 6:00 to 8:00 p.m on Tuesday, May 31st, Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel. Services will be at 2:00 p.m on Wednesday, June 1st at Asbury Methodist Church Mason's Chapel. Military burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Friends can honor George's memory with donations to the Humane Society and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

FITZGERALD SOUTHWOOD COLONIAL CHAPEL