In memoriam: Captain Jeffrey George Greenwood, USN (Ret)

Captain Jeffrey George Greenwood, USN (Ret), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away, unexpectedly, on April 25, 2025, at age 83.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife Kathy, son Robert and step-sons Rob and Mark, six grandchildren, and his brother-in-law R. Forrest. He is preceded in death by his much-loved sister, Nancy.

Jeff was born on January 2, 1942 to Ferdinand and Genevieve Greenwood. He grew up on his family’s farm in Howard City, MI where he worked after school and summers there, and on the Grassley Dairy Farm where his lifelong love of tractors began. He remained close to many of his high school classmates.

Upon graduation from Ferris State University in MI, Greenwood entered flight school at Pensacola Naval Air Station. He was a highly decorated Vietnam pilot; with 29 medals, including two Distinguished Flying Crosses, four Navy Commendation Medals, Navy Achievement Award, and Air Medals for Meritorious Achievement in Arial flight. He flew the A-4 Skyhawk for the “Blue Diamonds” Attack Squadron VA 146, and had deployments on the USS Ranger, USS Constellation, and the USS Forrestal. Greenwood also served as a Navy Reserve Pilot at NAS Alameda, CA until resigning in October 1979. Greenwood believed in peace through strength and that his job in Vietnam was to enable our men on the ground to come home.

Greenwood flew for Western Airlines from 1972 through the merger with Delta Airlines in 1987, and flew as a Captain until his required retirement at age 60.

In memoriam: Captain Jeffrey George Greenwood, USN (Ret)

Jeff enjoyed his retirement years. He built a large tractor barn on their property, in which he restored a 1946 John Deere BW and a 1953 John Deere 50. He also restored a manure spreader to be a people mover which he called a Politician’s Wagon. Each was in many parades sporting US flags, and in static displays at the Nevada County Fair, and the annual Draft Horse Classic. He had a smaller John Deere tractor (called his expensive wheelbarrow) which he used to help keep their shared road in tip top shape. Jeff also grew a large vegetable garden whose bounty he and Kathy loved to share with family, friends and neighbors.

In memoriam: Captain Jeffrey George Greenwood, USN (Ret)

Jeff and Kathy enjoyed visiting National Parks pulling their trailer, with their dogs, visiting 25 parks over the past 15 years. This past April they did a Rhine River cruise, then to Paris, and from there a tour to the sacred ground of Normandy at Utah and Omaha beaches.

Jeff was a member of the Gold Country Flywheeler Early Day Gas Engines & Tractor Assoc., and Quiet Birdmen, Nevada City Hangar, CA

There will be a Celebration of Jeff’s Life in the Marlow Hanger at the Nevada County Airport this summer, date TBA.

Interment will be at the Greenwood Memorial Garden Cemetery in Grass Valley, CA
If you would like to make a donation to honor Jeff, the family asks that you consider the following: Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Twin Cities Church, 11726 Rough & Ready Hwy, Grass Valley, CA 95945

Capt. Jeffrey Greenwood was much loved by many and will be greatly missed.