Navajo Code Talker Jimmie Begay, 86, of Sawmill, Arizona, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, February 1st. Begay enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in November 1942 when he was seventeen years old. He trained at the Code School in Camp Elliot and served in the 1st Marine Division, 2nd Battalion.

After the war, Begay finished his schooling at Santa Fe Indian School, boxed competitively, and retired from Navajo Forest Products Industry in 1985. He was also a dedicated and active member of the Navajo Code Talkers Association.

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly ordered the Navajo Nation flag be flown at half-staff in honor of Begay from Thursday, February 2nd through sundown Sunday evening, February 5th.

Funeral services will be 10:00am on Saturday, February 4th at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Fort Defiance, Arizona. Burial will follow at the Family plot north of Fort Defianc, ending with a reception at Fort Defiance Chapter House. Funeral Home: Silver Creek Mortuary, in Tse Bonito, New Mexico.

For condolences messages, monetary support, food donations and additional information you may contact Begay’s son, Thurman Begay, at 505-406-7447, via email thy_dude81@yahoo.com or via postal mail: PO Box 1084, Fort Defiance, AZ  86504