Robert “Bob” Lawrence Jahns, 76, of Nolensville, Tenn., and formerly of Moscow passed away Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. He was born in St. Charles, Ill., to the late Vernon and Wyota “Elois” Jahns where Bob was the youngest of six children. Bob’s greatest passion in life was helping people, and his legacy is a true testament to his unwavering dedication to his community and those around him.
Bob was a caring and dedicated husband, father, grandpa “Bobo,” friend, veteran, employee and community servant. Before joining the U.S. Air Force, Bob attended Drake University for undergraduate studies and later went on to achieve his master’s degree at Troy State. Upon graduating, Bob enlisted in the Air Force on Feb. 6, 1970.
Bob began his Air Force career stationed in California and soon after served in Vietnam. After the war, his stations were up and down the West Coast, where he met and married Vicki in 1976. Their next assignments took them to Spain, back to Arizona, and then to Virginia to work at the Pentagon. From 1986-1989, Bob and Vicki moved across the pond to Bentwaters, England, where their daughter Carleigh was born in 1986. They moved back to the U.S. to finish up his last four years of service, retiring in 1993 with the rank of colonel. During his time in the military, Bob served as squadron commander, operations officer, and was a fighter pilot flying both the F-4 and A-10 planes, which he counted among his favorite achievements.
After retiring from the Air Force, Bob was able to keep doing what he loved most, flying. The family moved to Moscow, and he served as the private pilot for Bennett Lumber Products. He was also the plant safety manager, where he was better known as “Safety Bob.” During his 25 years at Bennett Lumber and until their move to Tennessee in 2024, Bob continued to serve his community as a first responder. He earned multiple awards, including EMT of the year several times, and served as president and treasurer for Moscow Volunteer Ambulance. Vicki and Bob made the decision in 2023 to move closer to their grandchildren in Tennessee and enjoy some warmer weather. The loss of his presence will truly be felt throughout the Moscow community and communities the world over. Throughout his entire life, Bob was an extraordinary example of giving everything you could to your country, family and community.
In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his sister Katherine Jahns. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Vicki Jahns; daughter Carleigh (Brandon) Groh; grandchildren Bennett and Cooper; siblings Bill (Carol) Jahns, Dick (Sherri) Jahns, Ken (Jackie) Jahns Sr. and Carolyn Lois (Rod) Jahns Kowalczyk.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Moscow Church of the Nazarene, 1400 E. Seventh St., Moscow, with a reception to immediately follow at the 1912 Center, 412 E. Third St., Moscow. A graveside service will take place at noon PST Thursday, May 9, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a veteran’s fund of your choice, or you may send donations to Moscow Volunteer Ambulance at 229 Pintail Lane, Moscow, ID 83843.
