John Alexander Jensen

Dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, John Alexander Jensen, 75, passed away peacefully on June 12th at Asheville’s CarePartners Hospice Solace Center. John was born on July 7, 1949, in Cornwall, NY, to Alexander Jensen (2008) and Julia Ann Brady Jensen (2000).

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Jane A. Landis; brother-in-law, Gerald Schwerm; mother-in-law, Alice I. McDonald; and father-in-law, Lawrence H. McDonald.

John graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1971 and served during the Vietnam War on the USS Morton (DD-948). His assignments included the USS Brewton (FF-1086), USS Cimarron (AO-177) Plank Owner, CDR of the oceanographic ship Hess (USNS H.H. T-AGS-38), and Meteorologist, NATO Base, Iceland (1987-1990).

John's military honors include the Meritorious Service Medal with a gold star, Navy Commendation Medal with a gold star, Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation with three bronze stars, Navy “E” Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal with a bronze star, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Bronze Star, Overseas Service Ribbon with a bronze star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and Expert Rifle and Pistol Medals.

After his military retirement, John was a physical scientist for the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville. He was a member of the WNC Military Officers Association of America, and a frequent guest speaker at elementary schools. He especially enjoyed walking his dogs and speaking with neighbors along the way.

John is deeply missed by his wife of 51 years, Susan M. McDonald Jensen of Asheville, NC, his children, Todd A. Jensen of Old Fort, NC, Kathryn L. Cruz (Jesse), of B.C., Canada; siblings, Mary Ellen Sedgley (David) of Holly Springs, NC, Arlene Maynard of Cary, NC; 3 grandchildren, Jacoby J. Cruz, Isla J. Cruz, Wilder B. Cruz of B.C., Canada; brother-in-law, Michael P. Landis of Winston-Salem, NC; sisters-in-law, Judy Schwerm of Mequon, WI, Linda Bridgers of Hilton Head Island, SC; Godchildren, Charles L. Stegeman of Milwaukee, WI, Kellie A. Lewis of Cary, NC; several nieces and nephews; and his special dog, Nora.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 AM, July 18, 2025, at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery Chapel, Black Mountain, NC.

The family extends their thanks to Penland Family Funeral Home; Officiant J. Land Bridgers (nephew); Rev. Brandon Jones of St. Margaret Mary Church, Swannanoa; Charles George VA Medical Center, in particular Amanda Bazan, Meredith Comer, Dr. Mims, Dr. Bowers, and Dr. Banaszak; NC State Veterans Home; Meaghan of CarePartners Hospice Solace Center; MOAA representatives Steve Watkins (President), John Knapp, Sharon Woodcock; Jason D. of Tunnel to Towers; Attorney Jeffrey G. Marsocci; David Cole (Director) Senior Veterans Council; and Amy Annino for being there for John.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. John has a T2T Memorial page: https://dogood.t2t.org/IMOJohnJensen

Penland Family Funeral Home is honoured to assist the Jensen family during this time. Condolences may be made to the family at: penlandfamilyfuneralhome.com

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