Jeff Blackburn passed away in his sleep Friday Aug.17, 2012 following a short illness. He was 58 years old.

Born in Oakland Calif. on Feb. 23, 1954, Jeff graduated from the University of California, Berkeley and was commissioned an Ensign in the US Navy.

He proudly served a 20 year career which included tours of duty as an E-2C Hawkeye pilot in VAW- 113 and VAW 110, flying off the aircraft carriers USS Enterprise and USS Coral Sea. He was also assigned to the Naval Reserve Center in Miramar, Calif; VR-58 flying C-9 aircraft, Jacksonville, Fla.; VR-48 at NAF Andrews flying C-118 aircraft. He retired as a Commander after 20 years of service.

After completing his Navy career, Jeff was hired by Delta Airlines, flying Boeing 757- 767 aircraft out of Atlanta. He retired from Delta in 2011.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Karen (Foster) Blackburn and three children, Ashley Blackburn, Alexis Blackburn and A. J. Blackburn. He is also survived by his mother, Phyllis Blackburn and his brother, Paul Blackburn. He was preceded in death by his father, UA Blackburn. Jeff loved his family, the 49ers and the Navy.

Memorial services will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Fayetteville, Ga. on Fri., Aug. 24, 2012 at 11 a.m. Internment with military honors will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services, a Veterans Memorial & Family Care Provider. Online condolences at www.byarsfuneralhome.com