Funeral services for John F. Jernigan, age 68, of Chickasha, Oklahoma, will be held Friday, October 5, 2018, at 10:30 am at the Epworth United Methodist Church. Reverend Scott Keneda will officiate.

John was born on March 20, 1950, in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, to parents Ernest Deloy Jernigan and Betty Baker Jernigan. He went home to be with the Lord on September 30, 2018, at his home surrounded by family.

He is survived by his wife Judith Mary Jernigan (nee Siegrist) of 43 years; as well as his oldest daughter, Kathrine and husband Jon Kopec of Chickasha, OK, and their three sons, Zachary, Wesley, and Henry; middle daughter, Sarah and husband Ryan McGovern of Oklahoma City, OK, and their two daughters, Cassidy and Elle; and youngest daughter, Elizabeth and husband Nick Strickling of Pittsburgh, PA, and their two children Alexander and Georgiana. John is also survived by his sister-in-law, Lois Siegrist; sister-in-law, Kathy Siegrist; brother-in-law, Rick Sells; brother, Robert Charles Jernigan; nine nieces and nephews, their spouses, and children, as well as other extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, E.D. and Betty Jernigan; parents-in-law, Vitus and Dorothy Siegrist; sister-in-law, Jean Sells; brother-in-law, Michael Siegrist; and sister-in-law, Donna Jernigan.

As the oldest son in a military family, John grew up in multiple states. He was a graduate of Worthington High School in Worthington, OH. He later graduated from Valley Forge Military Junior College and attended both Ohio Wesleyan University and USAO where he obtained his degrees.

John worked both in finance and management throughout his career. Since moving back to Oklahoma, John carried on the family oil and gas business, which now spans four generations.

John and Judy spent their married life raising their family in Oklahoma and Ohio with a short time in Texas. During these years, they attended and were very active members in the Episcopal and Methodist churches. He served on numerous committees and governing boards of the churches they attended in Circleville, OH; Abilene, TX; and Chickasha, OK. One of his greatest joys was lending his beautiful bass voice to the church choirs and productions in all of his church homes.

He was very involved in the school systems as the girls grew up. He was a member of Rotary International. Most recently, here in Chickasha, John volunteered with the Food Pantry and served as President with the USAO Foundation Board. He also served as a member of the Chickasha City Council.

John leaves behind cherished family and friends across this country that he loved. John's greatest wish is that his life could reflect God's glory.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Resurrection House, Samaritan's Fund at Epworth United Methodist Church, or the Epworth United Methodist Church Television Ministry.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 4, 2018, at McRay Funeral Home, Chickasha.