March 15, 1938 – January 6, 2024

Jimmy Dean Long (JD Long, Jr.), 85, of Alvin, Texas, traveled his last trip, this time to heaven, on January 6, 2024. He was born March 15, 1938, in Crockett, Texas to Jim Downs Long and Mildred Louis. He was the oldest of 7 brothers and 1 sister.

Jimmy Dean grew up on the north side of Houston and graduated from Reagan High School. He immediately joined the US Coast Guard where he proudly served as an Aircraft Radio Operator which started his 67-year career in aviation. While in his twenties, he reconnected with his roots in Crockett, Texas, where he remained close for the rest of his life.

He met the love of his life, Bettye Lou, while still serving in the US Coast Guard. They married shortly after that and shared 51 years of love and laughter.

He was a successful entrepreneur from a very young age and built several businesses within his lifetime. In 1984, Jimmy Dean and Bettye created the family business, Texas Aircraft Instruments, Inc., where he enjoyed working side by side with his family for 40 years.

He was a natural born teacher and storyteller, and he rarely told the same story twice. His knowledge of history and his memory were beyond compare.

Jimmy Dean is survived by his son, Jeff Long and wife Dawn, daughter, Dena Long, son-in-law Brian; grandchildren, Dalton, Dustin, Mickey, Kaila, Bailey, Marshall, and Reese; great-grandchildren, Miller, Parker, and Hudson; brothers, Terry and wife, Cheryl, and Jerry Long, and many other nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

Jimmy Dean is preceded in death by his wife, Bettye Lou Long, father, JD Long, mother, Louis Perry, brothers, Dickie Long, Howard “Tate” Long, Rockne Perry, Kent Perry and sister, Sandra Perry Waltrip.

After a long, happy, and successful life, still full of adventure and a gypsy soul, Jimmy Dean was called home. He was looking forward to spring and a long road trip. Now he is on an endless journey. He was a good man who will be well remembered.

Friends are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 10:00A.M. with the funeral service to follow at 11:00A.M. at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home 311 N. Friendswood Dr.  Friendswood, Tx. 77546 (281)992-7200.

Burial will be at Houston National Cemetery at a later date.

           He will forever be our “feather in the wind”.