Jess Stockstill,

GRAPEVINE -- Jess Emerson Stockstill III, 72, an avid pilot and aviation enthusiast, died of heart failure after a long battle with cancer Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at a local hospital. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Teens-in-Flight which provides flight training scholarships to teens of fallen and injured servicemen and women, www.teens-in-flight.com/donations.html. "Jay" Stockstill was born Sept. 15, 1939, in Picayune, Miss. His parents, Jess Emerson Stockstill Jr. and Edna "Jackie" Alma Lewis, were longtime residents of North Texas, where Jay also resided for much of his life. Graduating from Texas A&M University in 1960, Jay was a proud member of the Corps and the renowned Aggie Band. He played trumpet in the band, which he took great pleasure in and continued to play throughout his life. He long remained a devoted alum of both the university and the band. From a very early age, Jay developed a considerable passion for airplanes and flying, following closely in his pilot father's footsteps. Immediately after graduating from college, Stockstill entered the United States Air Force, where he received his pilot training. After military service, Jay began what would become an extensive and enjoyable career in commercial aviation. At Continental Airlines, his first position, he would quickly achieve captain status by the age of 27. Other jobs in aviation followed, including flight instruction later in his career. Here he enjoyed passing along his love of flying to others. Jay always said he felt very lucky to work in the profession he did and to have a job he loved going to every day. Survivors: He is survived by wife, Jean Shawver; stepson, Jeff Madrid; two children, Amy Stockstill Salcido and Doug Stockstill, from a previous marriage; and sister, Linda From a very early age, Jay developed a considerable passion for airplanes and flying, following closely in his pilot father's footsteps. Immediately after graduating from college, Stockstill entered the United States Air Force, where he received his pilot training. After military service, Jay began what would become an extensive and enjoyable career in commercial aviation. At Continental Airlines, his first position, he would quickly achieve captain status by the age of 27. Other jobs in aviation followed, including flight instruction later in his career. Here he enjoyed passing along his love of flying to others. Jay always said he felt very lucky to work in the profession he did and to have a job he loved going to every day. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jess Stockstill, please visit our Sympathy Store.