Jimmie Lynn Rough's Obituary
Capt. Jimmie Lynn Rough, USN Ret.
October 3, 1928 – March 5, 2021
• Jimmie Lynn Rough (92), of Coronado, passed away on March 5, 2021 at home with his family by his
side.
• Jimmie was born on a peach farm in Mt. Vernon. IL, to the late Edward and Minnie Rough and was
the youngest of seven children. Jimmie attended Mt. Vernon Township High School where his love
for flying helped ignite his future career path in the US Navy. Jimmie received an appointment to the
US Naval Academy and graduated with a BS in Aeronautical Engineering.
• Upon his graduation, Jimmie married his high school sweetheart Katherine Cook. Jimmie continued
his advanced education eventually receiving Masters Degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and
Nuclear Propulsion at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, Ca.
• During the Vietnam War, he was stationed on the USS Enterprise and was the F4 Phantom Squadron
Commanding Officer of the VF-92 “Fighting Silver Kings”. Jimmie’s awards included: the
Distinguished Flying Cross with Star; Bronze Star; Air Medal and 5 Gold Stars; Navy Commendation
Medal with Combat “V” 2nd Star; Occupation Service (European); China Service (Tachien Evacuation);
National Defense; Vietnam Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and Navy Unit
Commendation.
• After Vietnam, he worked for the Under Secretary of the Navy (John Warner) in the Pentagon.
Jimmie eventually moved back to California and worked at the Naval Air Command, North Island
Coronado where he retired from the Navy. During retirement, Jimmie was involved in commercial
businesses and dabbled in real estate.
• Jimmie then spent the rest of his life with Jeanne Grote enjoying their passions for volunteering,
golfing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. He was a great patriot, father and
friend to many and will be missed.
• He is survived by his three daughters: Jennifer, Alden, and Kay as well as Jeanne, Lisa, Bret, Morgan,
Anthony, Mark, and Kayla. The family would like to thank Irene and all the caregivers for their
kindness.
• Services will be held at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, and arrangements are being handled by
Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary. The guest book is located at:
https://www.greenwoodmemorial.com/obituaries/Jimmie-Rough/#!/Obituary
• In lieu of flowers, the family requests any desired donations be made to Sharp Coronado Hospital
Foundation 250 Prospect Place, Coronado, CA 92118; Sharp Hospice PO Box 158 La Mesa, CA 91944-
9942; and the USNA Class of 1951 (www.usna.com/give).
What’s your fondest memory of Jimmie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jimmie?
Share a story where Jimmie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jimmie you’ll never forget.
How did Jimmie make you smile?
