Obituary - Albert Jackson McMindes

Albert Jackson McMindes died peacefully in the early morning hours of Dec. 20, 2024, at Oasis Homecare/Gentiva Hospice in Reno, Nevada.

He was born in Yellville, Arkansas, on Oct. 1, 1931. After starting school, he and his family moved to the West Coast, settling in Lincoln, California, where he spent the remainder of his childhood.

After graduating from high school, he attended college for two years before his education was interrupted by the Korean War and Vietnam conflict. While assigned to Lincoln Air Force Base in Nebraska, he met the love of his life, Nancy Jane Wagner, in 1954. Jack would say theirs was a love story, and they remained devoted throughout their lives.

He spent the next 26 years in the Air Force, cross-training from medic to military police to small arms and survival training before spending the rest of his military career with the intelligence group. His service took him to Germany, Spain, and Thailand, as well as several stateside bases.

After leaving the Air Force in 1974, he was immediately employed by the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation. He transferred to the Fallon office as manager in the mid-1980s, where he remained until retiring in the 2000s.

Following his military service, Jack joined the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), advocating for veterans' rights since the 1970s. He served as the VFW State of Nevada adjutant for most of his career and also held the office of commander at large. He was a member of the Royal Order of Cooties and helped publish the state newsletter.

Jack’s interests included camping, fishing, rockhounding, and woodworking. He was also an avid reader and had a deep love for Basset Hounds.

Albert Jackson was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and his wife of 68 years, Nancy Jane. He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Tracy, and son, David Barney, and his wife, Barbara. He also leaves behind grandchildren Russ and Cat, Erinn Clem, and Jake and Sarah; great-grandchildren Justin, Elaina, Alexis, Mia, Gloria, Mason, Fiona, AJ, Micah, Manuel, and Parker; and many more family members too numerous to list.

Memorial services will be held at a later date when the weather is warmer.

Dad, it’s "not bad for a Monday."