Hudson, MA-Lieutenant Joshua J. Jahnke, United States Navy, 29, of Hudson, MA, formerly of Pensacola, FL and Methuen, MA, died Wednesday, April 28th at his residence in Hudson after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He leaves his wife of five years, Tricia L. (Geyer) Jahnke of Hudson and his two daughters, Grace Marie and Juliana Laree Jahnke. He is also survived by his parents, Jeffrey J. and Marie T. (Green) Jahnke of Derry, NH; his sister, Jessica L. Phillips of Ankeny, Iowa; his paternal grandmother, Sarah L. Jahnke of Cuba, NY; his father and mother in law, John and Grace Geyer of Milford, Delaware and his many cousins and friends.
LT Jahnke was born in Kissimmee, FL and following birth resided with his parents in Methuen, MA for ten years until moving to Pensacola, FL. He was a 1998 graduate of Pensacola Christian Academy. He later attended Pensacola Christian College, received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Law from the University of West Florida in 2003, and a Master in Business Administration from Charleston Southern University in 2008.
LT Jahnke received a direct commission in the United States Navy from Naval Reactors and completed Officer Indoctrination School in Newport, RI. He reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in April of 2004 and served as a Mathematics and Reactor Plant Technology instructor. Subsequently he was assigned to Nuclear Field “A” School and served as the Mathematics Division Director and Command Training Evaluator. He was selected for lateral transfer into the Engineering Duty Officer community. From May 2008 to February 2010, he attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a graduate student in the Naval Construction and Engineering program. He received a Master of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering degree and also the Naval Sea Systems Command Award in Naval Construction and Engineering at MIT. He was authorized to wear the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal and several other awards.
LT Jahnke funeral service with full Military Honors will be held on Monday, May 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at the Grace Baptist Church, 353 River Road, Hudson. Burial will follow in Forestvale Cemetery, Hudson. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 2nd from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the: Tighe-Hamilton Funeral Home, Inc. 50 Central Street, Hudson, MA 01749. www.tighehamilton.com).
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of LT Jahnke may be made to: LT Josh Jahnke Children’s Memorial Fund, C/O Avidia Bank, 42 Main Street, Hudson, MA 01749.