Jennifer Mustain

Jennifer Lynn (Jones) Mustain was born on January 16, 1955. She led an active and impactful life including an illustrious career spanning twenty five years in the United States Navy Civil Engineer Corps, followed by consulting and freelancing work for the Department of the Navy as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy. She passed away on June 24, 2026. Jennifer was preceded in death by her parents, Byron E. Jones and Eleanore M. Jones (Aikins), and her brother B. Gregory Jones. She is survived by her loving husband Roger Mustain, her sister, Janene Jones, and her nieces: Natasha, Alicia, and Megan.
Jennifer showed academic strength from early childhood and was a remarkable student at Sunset High in Portland, Oregon. After high school, she continued her scholastic pursuits at the University of Washington, where she met her future husband in NROTC. She earned a BS in Civil Engineering before becoming a commissioned officer in the US Navy. Incidentally she was one of only 16 women in the US and the only Oregonian to win a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship. She continued her education at Oregon State University and earned a master’s degree in Civil Engineering. Jennifer held two Professional Engineering licenses as well. She served with integrity all over the world for twenty five years including such duty stations as: Guam, Spain, San Diego, Iceland, Mississippi, The Philippines, Italy, Washington D.C. and Hawaii, where she was the first woman to serve as commanding officer, Public Works Center, Hawaii. She served during and navigated many world events including the eruption of Mount Pinatubo and 9/11. Jennifer retired in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, along with her husband Roger, with the rank of Captain.
Jennifer enjoyed reading, nature, and traveling. She collected quality literature and has traveled all over the world. She has traveled extensively in Europe, Asia and America including several National Parks. She has toured Egypt and South America. The only continent she has not set foot on is Antarctica but she came close on a trip to Patagonia. She has graciously hosted many family members and friends playing tour guide for them in places such as Italy, Germany, Switzerland, England, France, and Israel. Her home is filled with unique tokens of her various travels. Her yard shows her love of nature with a variety of plants, a beautiful garden, and several potted plants which she enjoyed potting seasonally each year. Combining her love of travel and nature she often hiked where her travels led her.
Outside of her career and hobbies, Jennifer was a friend, mentor and benefactor. She always sought to help others and gave of herself tirelessly. She mentored junior sailors, offered career advice to many and just generally assisted others in bettering themselves, always leading by example. Jennifer was a loving sister and as an aunt she readily indulged her many nieces and nephews. Jennifer was very generous, never batting an eye at the opportunity to give to others. She assisted with college tuition and other financial strains in order that her family members could pursue their dreams. Besides her generosity for humans, she extended the same love to animals. She always kept food and treats for dogs that would visit her, and feeders for local birds and wildlife.
Jennifer entered into eternal rest way too soon at the age of 71. The world is a better place because she was in it. She will be missed by her friends and family worldwide.
In lieu of flowers consider supporting your local foodbank, veterans organization, national parks or humane society. Mentor those around you.