Alex Jongbloed

Alex Jongbloed, was born Alexander Alphonsus Antonius Jongbloed on June 30th, 1935 in Guayaquil, Ecuador and passed away on June 6, 2020 at the age of 84 in Keller, Texas. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Lottie, and their two children: eldest daughter Sandy and her husband Rusty, and youngest daughter, Loraine. He was a proud grandfather to four grandchildren: Lindsay, her husband Clint, Ashley, her husband Chris, Paige and Brooke and 5 great grand children: Clayton, Jackson, Logan, Greyson and Jenna. He is further survived by many cousins and family members around the world. He is preceded in death by his mother, Frances, his father, Alphonsus, and his sister, Caroline.

Alex served his country as a soldier in the United States Army and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. For his service he earned the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. He began his Army career with the 101 Airborne in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, then moving to the 10th Special Forces in Bad Toelz, Germany. He completed officer candidate school in Fort Benning, GA, language school in Fort Ord, CA, and then served in Vietnam from 1968-1969 with 5th Special Forces. After Vietnam, he returned to Bad Toelz and was then stationed in Fort Benning, GA, Fort Devens, MA with the 10th Special Forces, and Fort Meade, MD with military intelligence where he served for 3 years. He served honorably in the Army achieving the rank of Major and retiring in 1979. After his military service, Alex worked for Litton night vision, A.I.D Co., Flir night vision and West Cam night vision.

Alex will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a loving husband, father, proud patriot and lover of life!  We can proudly say that Alex made a lasting impression on everyone he met with his charm, energy, mischief and zest for life. During his 84 amazing years he never missed a chance to spread joy and laughter to his friends and family. He was a lover of classic cartoons, especially the Looney Tunes roadrunner, old war movies and James Bond movies. In his younger years, he spent countless hours enjoying the great outdoors, camping and hiking the mountains of Germany, canoeing the waters of Arizona and even running a marathon in Florida at the age of 50.  He was happiest listening to his music, and had a special place in his heart for his Latin music. He loved to salsa dance and did so even up until his final days. He served as a leader in the Boy Scouts of America and always entertained children throughout his life. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren remember him fondly for his countless silly faces and Donald Duck noises. He spoke 8 languages in his incredible life and was known by several names including Dad, Pappie and Opa. Of all the people he touched, his most avid support in life is his wife, Lottie, who supported him in all his glory during his heyday and lovingly supported him physically during their last days together. Alex always said that all he wanted was, “a little bit of love and understanding”.  To our real life James Bond, we understand that it was your time to go and will love you forever!

There will be a memorial service held for Alex on Friday July 31st at 2:00pm at Forest Ridge Funeral Home – 8525 Mid Cities Blvd. North Richland Hills, TX 76182.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association by visiting - act.alz.org

Special Forces Creed

I will keep my mind and body clean, alert and strong, for this is my debt to those who depend upon me.  I will not fail those with whom I serve.  I will not bring shame upon myself for the forces.  I will maintain myself, my arms, and my equipment in an immaculate state as befits a Special Forces soldier.

DE OPPRESSO LIBER

The encircling scroll which arches at the base bears the Special Forces motto, “DE OPPRESSO LIBER,” which is translated from latin as “To Free the Oppressed.”