Jean "JP" Paul Lindfors

Apr 20, 1931 -

Jan 3, 2021

Former longtime Eagle River resident Jean "JP" Paul Lindfors passed away in Palmer, Alaska, on Jan. 3, 2021, just six short months after the love of his life and wife of 69 years passed on. He was 89 years old.

Born April 20, 1931, in Leechburg, Pa., he was the son of Eric Lindfors and Ethelyn Leona Lindfors (Roberts). He grew up in Pennsylvania, where at the age of 18, on Jan. 4, 1950, he joined the United States Air Force. He eventually met his wife, Dorothy "Dot" Mae Lindfors (Painter), and after only a short time together, they were wed on Aug. 3, 1951, in Brick Church, Pa.

He moved to Alaska in 1962 with his wife Dot and their children Dave, Jim, Helen, John and Gene, first living in Fairbanks for several years before settling in Eagle River in 1970.

JP had a lengthy military career in the medical field, holding the highest grade of E-7 Msgt and serving in Korea (52-53), the Cold War and in Vietnam. He received many commendations and medals throughout his career, his proudest being a Bronze Star with V for Valor and The Air Force Commendation Medal, twice. He was trained as a combat medical corpsman and spent his career as a Medical Technician, Supervisor and Trainer. That training, along with his 22-year military career, led him to be a Medical Advisor in the Alaska Civil Air Patrol, Secretary and President of Prospect Search and Rescue in Prospect, Ore., as well as a lifetime member and Event Coordinator of Jackson County Search and Rescue in Central Point, Ore., all of which he was extremely honored and proud to be a part of.

He was a school bus driver in Eagle River for many years, as well as a shuttle bus driver in both Denali National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. He enjoyed bowling in many leagues alongside his wife, as well as the company of their cats, Charlie and Bobby. JP was proud of many things in his life, but he was most proud of his family and the life that he built together with his wife. Some of his fondest memories include the births of his children, their growing up and graduating and accomplishing their own goals and starting their own families, and the births of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

JP is survived by his children, Dave, Helen, Jim and Gene; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; son, John; and granddaughter, Sabrina.

JP was the patriarch of the Lindfors family and will be deeply missed by his loved ones and by all those who knew him.