James D. Jahn, Colonel USMC (Retired) (Jim Jahn) 76, of St. Mary's City, died surrounded by his family at his home on Monday, April 11th after a two year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born December 30, 1934 in Duluth, MN. He was the son of the late William Leon and Marie Josephine Jahn.

He is survived by Marti, his wife of 54 years, his sons, Doug and his wife Sue, Jay and his wife Kay, Drew and his wife Elaine; and his daughter, Kakie and her husband Pete Miluski; and his nine and half grand-children: Matt Miluski, Tyler Miluski, Kallie Jahn, Katie Jahn, Kristi Miluski, Kassie Jahn, Molly Jahn, Brody Jahn, Lindsey Jahn, and soon to be, James III.

He is a graduate of George Washington University and he earned his Masters Degree from Auburn University. Jim, a native of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, entered the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in July 1954, and upon completion of flight training, he began his military career in the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed at Patuxent River Air Station twice during his military career; the first time in 1966, in Test Pilot School Class 45 as a student, remaining on the school staff as a flight instructor and project test pilot; and again in 1979 when he became the Commanding Officer of the Marine Air Detachment and later was the first Marine to be assigned as Director of Strike Aircraft Test Directorate. Among his personal decorations are the Distinguished Flying Cross with Gold Star, Bronze Star with Combat V, Single Mission Air Medal, 19 Strike/Flight Air Medals, Combat Action, Presidential Unit Citation, and Navy Unit Citation with Bronze Star. He retired as a Colonel in 1983.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Jim opened Jahn Corporation in 1989 and developed the company into the successful small business it remains today.

The family will receive friends on April 14th, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at Brinsfield Funeral Home. Prayers will be at 7:00 pm. The funeral will be held on Friday April 15th, at 11:00 am at St. Michael's Church in Ridge. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions to St. Michael's Church, PO Box 429, Ridge, MD 20680, and the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 456, Ridge, MD 20680.

Arrangements are being provided by Brinsfield Funeral Home in Leonardtown.