Dana Eric Jette

A Homegoing celebration for Mr. Dana Eric Jette who transitioned this earthly life on June 3, 2021, will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021, 11:00 A.M at Love First Christian Center, 12847 Balm Riverview Road, Riverview, FL 33579.  Dr. Ricky Houston will be the Eulogist.  Interment will be held on Monday June 14, 2021, at 10:30 A.M. at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.

 Dana Eric Jette aka “DJ” was born on February 22, 1967, to parentage of Alvin and Brenda Jette of Boston, MA. He graduated from Madison Park High School, Boston, MA. After graduating he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force which afforded him the pleasure and opportunity of traveling around the world one and half times and visiting every continent, including Antarctica. He attended Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, TX.

In 1991, Dana relocated to Tampa where he was stationed at MacDill AFB.  He had a very active military career which included, but was not limited to, his service in support of installations such as: Operation Enduring Freedom with the 290th JCSS MacDill AFB, Operation Nobel Eagle with the 6th SFS MacDill AFB & Operation Iraqi Freedom with both the 6th SFS and 290th JCSS. He was also the first black member of the MacDill AFB Marine Patrol where he worked for at least 11 years (5 yrs with the military and 6 as civilian police officer). Dana was a leader, trainer and mentor to newly arriving 18–22-year-old Airmen.  He also worked as a liaison between the military members and the civilian populous in the Tampa Bay area. Dana Honorably retired as a Senior NCO (Master Sergeant) from the Florida Air National Guard after over 20 years of combined faithful military service.  He eagerly elected to continue service to his country as a Federal Police Officer for the Department of the Air Force until he was called home to glory.

Dana confessed his faith in Christ during a revival service and joined the First Baptist Church of Progress Village under the leadership of Dr. Sam Maxwell, where he served as a member of the male chorus and building security ministry whenever needed.

Dana met and married Xenia Bell and to this union one child was born, William. He also has another son, Bryan, from a previous marriage (Lora), and Xenia’s children Jackie and Darius.

Dana was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Brenda Jette; grandparents, Willis T. Jette, Evelyn Mae Jette and Helen Herbin;  a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and best friend John “Earl” Hampton.

Dana leaves to cherish precious memories with a loving, devoted wife and friend, Xenia Jette; sons, Bryan Jette (fiancé Felicia) of Tacoma WA, Darius Robinson and William Jette of Riverview, FL; daughter,  Jacquanita “Jackie” Miller of Tamarac FL; grandson, Phaero Jette; Brothers,  Darrylle “Duch” Jette (Maria), Dale Jette (Drina); Sister, Michaelle (Jette) Montgomery;  Mother in Law, Betty Dixon; Brothers in Law, Gary Bell (Jessica) and Pavis Whitley; Sisters in Law, Crystal Sanders and Kimberly Bell; long time friend,  Victor Carson and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews,  nieces, cousins, grand nephews, grand nieces,  friends, neighbors and co-workers.

There will be a viewing on Friday, June 11, 2021, at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N Howard Ave., Tampa, Florida from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm.  The family request that you use the visitation as an opportunity to pay your final respect. If you desire to send a floral arrangement, the family request that it be a plant or dish garden (no cut fresh flower arrangements please).                  Masks are required.

Arrangements entrusted to RAY WILLIAMS FUNERAL HOME, Rhodes and Northern, Owners.

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