John Jernigan Obituary

John Michael "Mike" Jernigan, 79, of Wichita Falls passed away on August 31, 2023. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 27th at Lunn's Colonial Chapel in Wichita Falls, Texas, with the Rev. Steve Sullwold officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home. Son of the late John and Ida Mae "Monk" Jernigan, Mike was born on July 23, 1944, in Little Rock, Arkansas. After moving to Wichita Falls while in elementary school, he graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1962 and then earned a BA degree from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, where he was a member of the speech and drama fraternity. Following college, Mike enlisted and served in the U. S. Army Intelligence for 3 years, stationed in Germany. Returning to Wichita Falls, he worked as a broadcast journalist at KAUZ television station and then spent many years with OETA, the PBS television station in Oklahoma City, until retirement. Upon retiring, Mike graciously moved back to Wichita Falls to help care for his aging father with much gratitude from the rest of the family. He was an avid reader, loved listening to classical and jazz music, and enjoyed photography. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Ann Jernigan Binford (Frank). He is survived by his brothers Tim Jernigan (Susan), Jeff Jernigan (Nancy), and David Jernigan (Patty); sister Jill Jernigan Bray; 14 nieces and nephews and 8 grand nieces and nephews. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be sent to a favorite charity. For those desiring and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to a favorite charity.