Sharing my friend with you

Clarence Jungwirth, known to friends as "Inky" and co-workers as simply CJ passed away this last weekend. Age 98.

CJ was more than my friend. I was priviledged to work with him, learn from him, enjoy his company and legendary story telling, his experiences, and many, many good times with some low times.

Our last conversation was just prior to the New Year. I approached CJ for a reference in my current job search. His unexpected, kind, encouraging and sincere reply will always make me tearful. So thankful to have this recent heartwarming memory.

Inky was a childhood nickname. He had been in an incubator at birth. Thus, "Inky". At a whopping 5'4" this gentleman packed a lot of punch. Enduring a childhood filled with strife, serving in WWII, suffering malaria and its lifetime effects. These are documented in two of the books he published.

A self-made man his original career choice was Priest. After some training and being very astute and intuitive determined this would be a conflicting career for him and quickly changed course.

When discharged from the military he began his career at Oshkosh Motor Wheel as an engineering assistant. Without formal training he progressed to lead engineer on a multitude of vehicle designs. In 1985 he officially retired only to work part-time in Customer Service using his vast background with the company and renowned memory providing parts and service solutions for all ages of vehicles for customers world-wide. He loved talking old trucks with old-timers. It was confirmed he was in as usual the day before he was hospitalized.

Clarence was a confirmed bachelor satisfied with his loves of work and history. Until just after he turned 50 and an office acquaintance caught his eye. She had 3 children but no problem. They tied the knot. His pride, love and joy with his new family was something he loved to share.

Somewhere in there CJ also earned a college degree. If I recall he was 65 or so when graduating. He was sponsored for the Honor Flight to visit the WWII memorial. He flew off to Washinton D.C. Couldn't even say what age but I think maybe at least 80.

History. Loved any and all history. He had a deep enthusiasm, passion and belief in the products he helped design. Here are two of his books on heavy equiment vehicles manufactured by what is now Oshkosh Corp.

His orginal manuscripts were all typed on a manual typewriter which still occupied his office. Not that he didn't keep up! Used word processor then computer, e-mail. It was cool.

What is more cool is I received this in the interoffice mail...just for me. Typed on that very same typewriter as his beloved books. Made me feel special (on his birthday)

Good friends are worth sharing and hopefully you can appreciate this wonderful 98 year young life through my short dedication. I can not begin to tell his story. His life touched mine and I can do no more than share with hopes this touches you as well.

Favorite saying...ask CJ 'how are you today?" He would tell you "Well, I woke up." A true practitioner of one day at a time.

For those who also love trucks and history or would like to learn more about CJ there is quite a bit available. His lifetime contributions and accomplishments are preserved by both local historical groups and what is now Oshkosh Corp (formerly Oshkosh Motor Truck). Interviews, lectures, presentations to school children and Public TV and links to buy his books. Hope you search and find something cool.

Clarence, your friendship will forever be with me.
@nananini