His nicknames were “JR” and Spoon-man. His hometown was Sellersburg, Indiana.JR was a crew chief by trade and was assigned to the Support Section.

Known as a practical joker, JR kept the times in Saudi “light-hearted.” He also drew clown cartoon characters on the squadron bulletin board to convey light-hearted messages to the squadron.
He enjoyed auto racing and spent time rebuilding a Chevy Nova as a tribute to his father who passed away in 1992. The car had belonged to his father, who had sold it before he passed away, and JR had bought it back.