VALDOSTA — Americus, Georgia native and career aviator Johnnie E. Jones Jr. has published a book about his challenging life and how he believes he was divinely inspired and motivated to become an Air Force pilot by the service of Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James and the Tuskegee Airmen who preceded him.

As a high school student during the waning days of the Jim Crow Era, Jones developed the stamina to overcome entrenched racism and numerous setbacks, he said in a press release about his boo, “The Jet Will Fly.” Jones said he created a detailed eight-year plan to help care for his ailing mother and meet the stringent requirements to become an U.S. Air Force pilot. That plan included getting a degree from Clark College (now CAU) where the motto is “Find a Way or Make One!” In order to stimulate maximum motivation, he gave himself the nickname “Jet” and cleverly created the powerful motto “The Jet Will Fly!” This motto literally propelled him out of poverty and into the skies as an expert jet pilot and the rest is history. 

After finishing Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training in March 1982, he went on to fly the C-130 Hercules out of Dobbins AFB in Marietta. He ultimately became a commercial airline pilot as well with United Airlines. His airline career spanned 33 years and includes type ratings in the 747/757/767/777/787. He resides in the Atlanta area and is actively involved with assisting young people who are interested in aviation. 

The author is available for book signing events where books can be purchased and autographed. Books can also be purchased online at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and other online booksellers.