Jesse Kinghorn is a colonel in the Florida Air National Guard and chairman of this year’s BellSouth Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament.
HOW HE GOT INVOLVED
With the Kingfish Tournament since 1992, Kinghorn’s first duty was weighing fish. “A guy I know, a recruiter, was looking for volunteers. The Air National Guard always did the weigh-in. The fish would come off the dock then be put on a gurney and weighed. Later, I was comptroller of the board and then vice president of marketing before I took a two-year sabbatical. Last year, Susie [Susan Slappey, last year’s chair] asked if I’d be a VIP and after that I was selected in August by the board to be chair.”
WHAT DO YOU DO AS CHAIRMAN?
“I have to meet with the board on how the tournament is progressing, come up with a site plan, hammer out a budget and work with the vice chairs [of the three operating committees] to bring it all together. We meet monthly to discuss what is occurring in their areas and try to solve all issues.”
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
“Getting the budget put together and making sure everybody stays on track. We go through a lull period and then two to three months beforehand everything gels.”
WHY ACCEPT THE POSITION?
“We have the most wonderful volunteers; it makes my job easy. In the end, if we had a successful tournament it makes it great. My goal is the same as every chairperson’s — to sell out the maximum of 1,000 boats.”
FISH TALES
The event is scheduled for July 8-13 with the Publix junior angler fishing day July 9. The VIP tournament is held on the opening day with Toyota sponsoring a “liar’s tent,” where fishermen can brag about their catch. Ironically, Kinghorn does not fish.
EDUCATION
After signing up with Uncle Sam, Kinghorn received his associate’s degree from Florida Junior College (now FCCJ). He also holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of the State of New York in addition to his military training.
AIMING HIGH
The colonel donned a uniform as an enlisted man in the 159th Fighter Group in the early 1970s. After attending the Academy of Military Science in Tennessee, Kinghorn received his commission as an officer. His most notable accomplishment was receiving a Meritorious Service Medal in 1994 for his efforts in logistical operations during Hurricane Andrew.
WHAT DUTIES DOES HE HAVE AS COLONEL?
As the United States Property and Fiscal Officer for the State, his responsibility is to be the oversight person for all federal dollars and property for the Florida Air National Guard and the Army National Guard.
PROFESSIONAL TIES
Kinghorn is president of the National Guard Officers’ Association of Florida and a member of the American Society of Military Comptrollers.
FAMILY
Mandarin is home to Kinghorn and his wife Kay. Their two daughters, Natalie and Ashleigh, are both attending Florida colleges.
JUST FOR FUN
Traveling, jogging and reading John Grisham novels are favorites for Kinghorn. He also enjoys Mongolian barbecue at Genghis Khan and the film “Saving Private Ryan.”
WHO’S YOUR HERO?
“Clint Eastwood. I like his style; he’s a man of few words. There are not many actors like him coming up — the rough kind. Most of the younger actors are so fake.”
—by Monica Chamness