Col. Jerome Bruce "Jerry" Tinling

Col. Jerome Bruce “Jerry” Tinling USMC Reserve (Ret.) left us on February 7, 2021, for his final hike at age 92. Like the "Old Soldier" in the song, he just faded away peacefully, in Alamogordo, NM.

Born in Shanghai, China in 1928, he served during the Korean Conflict and was a world class swimmer and hiker.  He climbed every Sierra Nevada peak over 12,000 ft., most of them solo. He led treks in the Himalayas, safaris in India, and walked hundreds of trails in the Sierra’s. He loved the time he spent in Nepal hiking and reminisced of those times often.

A man of legendary antics and humor, he was also a man of great devotion to his faith, his country, his family, and his friends.  

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Sassy in 2017. They were married in Las Vegas, NV on December 29, 1983. After moving to Alamogordo Jerry enjoyed swimming every day, tinkering in his yard, taking walks and supporting Sassy’s community related activities. A favorite pastime of Jerry's was listening to his collection of Big Band era records. He loved to sing along with the music. 

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the BeeHive and its staff for the exceptional care, understanding and love they gave Jerry. 

Jerry has been entrusted to the care of the Alamogordo Funeral Home.

Cremation has taken place and a private service will be held.  Semper Fi!

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