A WWII veteran as well as the co-founder of the Christian ministry Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), Jack Hemmings, has passed away.
On Jan. 24, 2025, at the age of 103, Hemmings passed away at a hospital in Sussex surrounded by his wife, Kate.
In 1940, at the age of just 19, Hemmings volunteered as an air crewman in WWII. After the war, he received the Air Force Cross for exemplary gallantry while flying.
After WWII was finished, Hemmings wasn't done with flying. That's when he and fellow RAF veteran Stuart King established MAF. IN 1948 the pair started off by flying around central Africa for six months to asses any needs the people had. During this time their plane crashed into the side of a mountain, but miraculously the pair were unharmed.
Hemmings described MAF as "the international Good Samaritan of the air delivering aid and medicine to communities throughout the continent."
Hemmings' 77-year-old wife recently reflected on her husband's legacy.
"His drive was humanitarian, providing hope and relieving human suffering," said Kate. "Oh, my lovely Jack, this world will be very strange without you, but you've left it a better place for having lavished 103 years of love into it."
The CEO of MAF in the UK has shared his thoughts on how the ministry has impacted people around the world.
"I was struck by Jack's humility and deep devotion to those living in isolation and the possibilities that aircraft present to help them. Jack's life will have impacted more people across the world than he will ever know."
Hemmings is believed to be the oldest person who ever flew a Spitfire, as just last year he got into the cockpit for a flight.
"Jack Hemmings has made an immeasurable difference to the lives of many across numerous low-income countries," said Giles Legood, chaplain-in-chief at the RAF. "Indeed, many owe their lives to him and the legacy he has created. His quiet humility, yet determination to make a difference is inspirational."