Robert G Jingling

Robert Jingling was born on June 16, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois and was 86 years old.   He passed away on May 29, 2020 from Dementia and Parkinson’s diseases.  For the past three years, Bob has resided at Superior Residence in Niceville, Florida.  Joan Bennett, his caregiver, loving partner and best friend of 28 years was by his side.

His parents John and Lottie Jingling and sister Laverne Wielosinski preceded Bob in death.  He is survived by stepdaughter Julie Trtanj, brother Richard Jingling (wife Mary), a niece and several nephews. 

Upon graduating from high school Bob was awarded a full baseball athletic scholarship to the University of Wyoming in 1951.  He was selected at shortstop; the only two-time All-Skyline Player in history.  He was also selected as a second team All-American in 1954, first-team All-American in 1955, and was a member of the US Baseball team in the 1955 Pan AM games.  Bob was the first in UW history to be named first-team All-American and only the second in Skyline history.  He hit .413 as a senior and led the Pokes to two consecutive Skyline Conference titles.  Bob graduated with a business and finance degree in 1955.   Upon leaving Wyoming, he signed with the Detroit Tigers.  Following a brief stint in the pros, Bob returned to Wyoming to serve as an assistant coach and one year as the Cowboy’s head coach.

Bob was later inducted into the Wyoming Athletics Hall of Fame on September 25, 1998.   As described by UW Hall of Fame Baseball Coach Bud Daniel, “a classy, hard hitting infielder, the most outstanding player on the field, in academic performance, and in personal conduct that he had the opportunity to coach.”

Following his outstanding athletic accomplishments, Bob was commissioned in the Air Force for pilot training.  Three years later, he left to teach school and obtain his masters degree.  He re-entered the Air Force as an accounting and finance officer.  His assignments included tours in Korea, Japan, England and Wright-Patterson AFB Ohio, retiring at Eglin AFB in Florida after 26 years.

Throughout his life and in retirement, Bob was an avid golfer enjoying the Senior Scratch Tour and countless rounds at the Eglin Golf Course. 

His family, his many friends, and his dedicated and loving partner Joan Bennett will cherish his memory.  A private ceremony will take place at Heritage Gardens in Niceville, Florida

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