Jonathan (Jon) Dwight Walegir, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on May 12, 2024. Jon was born on December 28, 1945, in Brooklyn, NY, to Stephen and Zena Walegir. Jon was the middle child of three: his precious younger sister Lois (they affectionately called each other Chuck and Mona), and his older brother Stephen Gregg. The family moved to Springfield, MO, where Jon finished his education at Hillcrest High School, graduating in 1963.

Music was Jon’s first love early on. He joined a band known as “Essex IV” led by Jimmy Guy Cottengim, well-known, popular songwriter and entertainer in Springfield, MO. He sang and played bass guitar at many local venues. While music and playing the bass guitar always remained close to his heart, aviation got into his blood. Jon obtained his many pilot certifications the hard way: he became a flight instructor and flew charters on single & multi engine airplanes to build his time and ratings. His career began to flourish when he and Mark Burgess began flying the Burlington Northern Railroad contract which catapulted him into a relationship with AMR Combs, the executive aviation affiliate of American Airlines. Jon was able to rise to Director of Operations and Chief Pilot for AMR Combs. But, his greatest thrill and most rewarding position occurred when AMR Combs and Bombardier Aerospace merged and formed the FlexJet Program. Jon became Chief Pilot and hired over 300 pilots to launch the program. He relished every minute with FlexJet and loved all the people he worked with and hired. Even after his health disqualified him from flying, he always desired to be laid to rest in his FlexJet uniform.

Following FlexJet, Jon and Carrie moved to Nixa, MO and started Lionheart Aviation Group. The team included Ron Manning, John (Indy) Westbrook, Dana White, and Eugene Vitzthum. Andy Priester, with Priester Aviation, out of Chicago, IL, ultimately merged and purchased the company. After taking care of his parents for 6 years, Jon retired.

Jon enjoyed his retirement living at the lake with the love of his life, Carrie, fishing and taking walks on the trails along the shore. Jon’s faith in Jesus Christ and the love of his family were the top priorities of his life. He was known affectionately as “Papa” and “Unco”. Jon was a source of love, guidance, and wisdom for all who knew him. He was selfless and truly had a servant’s heart; he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of kindness, strength, and wisdom will live on in the hearts of those who love him.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents Stephen and Zena Walegir, son David Walegir, and granddaughter Ashley Walegir.

Jon is survived by his wife Carrie, son Jarrod Walegir, daughter Stefanie Collinsworth (Chris), son Joseph Walegir, grandsons Elijah, Samuel, and Eron Daugherty, granddaughter Madyson Collinsworth, brother Stephen Gregg Walegir (Lydia), sister Lois Jefferson (Bill), brother-in-law Abe Westbrook (Barb), sister-in-law Marcella Payne, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in honoring Jon’s life. The visitation is on May 20, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, followed by the funeral service on May 21, 2024, at 3:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home (North), 3506 N. National, Springfield, MO, 65803. The service will be live streamed and recorded, and immediately following, he will be laid to rest.

Jon’s spirit has taken flight one last time into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom he faithfully served, to receive his eternal reward.

Services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North.