Juris George Mikelsons

Juris George Mikelsons, former airline executive and pilot passed away on May 1, at home with his family at his side. Born in Riga, Latvia to Rudolfs and Mirdza Mikelsons in 1937. His family fled to Germany to escape Soviet occupation when he was six years old. After the war, they emigrated to Australia and then to the US in 1959. There he developed a passion for flying and quickly attained the necessary licenses to become a professional pilot. After several years with the travel club, Voyager 1000, he formed his own travel club, Ambassadair. In 1984, the airline industry was deregulated, and he formed Amtran, parent company of ATA Airlines, ATA Leisure Group, Amber Travel, ATA Training Corporation and Execujet. He was the recipient of the Tony Jannus Award for outstanding leadership in the commercial aviation industry; honorary doctorate degrees from Webber College, Vincennes University and Indiana State University. He received two Sagamore of the Wabash citations, one from Governor Frank O'Bannon and one from Governor Joe Kernan. Besides his passion for flying and business he loved animals, his Florida home, horseback riding, boating, fishing, motorcycles and music. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Muriel; sons, David and Jay and grandson, Beckham Mikelsons. For those who wish to pay their respects but are unable to attend, live streaming of the services are available at the start of service at: https://www.facebook.com/crownhill.org