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JAMES "JIM" A. TASSIE Final Flight on August 23, 2015
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James "Jim" A. Tassie, Lt. Col., USAF (Retired) September 22, 1939 - August 23, 2015
Lt. Col., USAF Ret., James "Jim" A. Tassie, 75, passed away on Aug. 23, 2015 in Gilbert, Ariz.
Jim was born in Bristol, Conn. on September 22, 1939 the only child of Seymour R. and Avis Johnson Tassie. Jim is survived by his wife, Janet Tassie; son, JT Tassie, both of Gilbert, Ariz. and several nieces and nephews.
At the age of 18, being guided by a deep patriotic spirit and a desire to "get out there," Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, went through enlisted Airman Basic training, and was subsequently accepted into the U.S. Air Force Aviation Cadet Pilot Training Program. During his time of service highlights of his career were flying the KC-135 (jet) refueling/tanker aircraft, HH-43 rescue helicopter, flying more than 200 combat missions and resulting in 12 combat "saves." Among his many services awards he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. Jim earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and while stationed at the Pentagon, he earned his master's degree from Central Michigan University. Following his 20-plus years in the Air Force, Jim joined the prestigious international consulting firm of Booz, Allen & Hamilton (BA&H). In retirement he served as a sacristan at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Chandler, Ariz.
Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015 at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 2654 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, Ariz. 85295. Visitation will be from 12-1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, 2015 at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church with Funeral Mass to follow at 1 p.m. Memories and condolences may be made by visiting the online obituary guest book at www.queenofheavencatholicmortuary.com.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Timothy Baker and Dr. Matthew Ulrickson; staff at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Catholic Mortuary, Mesa, Ariz. 480-892-3729.
Published in The Oneida Daily Dispatch on Aug. 27, 2015
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/oneidadispatch/obituary.aspx?pid=175642551#sthash.CtmsUGCM.dpuf
~NOTE~ In 1969/1970 Lt. Col. Tassie flew with Det. 7, 38th ARRS at Da Nang AB in Vietnam.
GUEST BOOK August 29, 2015 On behalf of the Southington High School Class of 1957, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Tassie and her family. He was a great friend to all. ~ Ralph Sgrillo, Alaska 27 Aug. 2015 God bless you, Jim. It was a true honor and gift to get to know your sense of professionalism, dry wit and cowbell playing skills. Love to your family. ~ Phil Hylton 27 Aug. 2015 What a privilege to know you both and to see the strength, character, and faith that you consistently displayed in the midst of many challenges - and the courage that marked life in so many ways. Please know of my continued care and gratitude for the ways that you impacted my life and many others. Jim is remembered for his smile, his spirit, and his strength. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Matt Ulrickson ~ Matthew Ulrickson August 26, 2015 Jan and JT, Our hearts are heavy with the loss of your beloved Jim. May the Angels lead him into the loving arms of God. And may you both feel the love and heartfelt sympathy we both have for you. ~ Charles &Carol Pennington, Chandler, Arizona August 26, 2015 We will miss you Jim. Prayers going your way! ~ David and Gina Arambula, Chandler, Arizona August 26, 2015 Jan and JT, Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you at this sad time. Jim will be remembered and honored for the mark he has left. He had such a positive attitude throughout his battle. You and JT were his inspiration. God Bless you and JT and may Jim rest in peace. ~ Russ Tassie, Southington, Connecticut August 26, 2015 "Saints of God, come to Jim's aid. Come to greet him angels of the Lord. Receive his soul and present him to God, present his soul to God most high." Our heartfelt condolences to Jan and JT in the passing away of Jim. Praying for the eternal repose of the soul of Jim and consolation of the bereaved family. ~ Tom & Rose Cavagnaro, Chandler, Arizona August 26, 2015 Our Heartfelt condolences to Janet and JT on the passing away of Jim. "May you rest in peace Jim!" Praying for Jim's eternal repose at our Lady of Penafrancia Mass this Aug.29th. ~ Tom & Rose Cavagnaro, Chandler, Arizona So sorry to learn of Jim's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both. ~ Viola Tassie Carr 26 Aug. 2015 For Jan and JT, Jim was a mentor to me and a friend. He encouraged me and supported me and I deeply appreciated his sincere camaraderie when we were squadron mates. Jackie and I send our most earnest condolences and our prayers. ~ John La Raia 26 Aug. 2015 My sincere condolences Jan and JT. God Bless you both. We all share in your grief in Jim\'s passing. He was truly a mountain of a man and tell loved and respected by everyone who knew him. Love always. Lawrence ~ Lawrence Tassie 26 Aug. 2015 I have wonderful memories of Jim as a teenager here in Southington. I thought of him often and was glad to catch up with him on Facebook. My thoughts and Prayers are with you. ~ Ginni Butler 26 Aug. 2015 Mrs. Tassie & Family, I knew Jim and his dad Seymour, having grown up in Southington, Conn. I used to walk by their gas station daily & weekends to go to the stores nearby and they also fixed my car as a teenager. Both were real gentlemen and just very nice persons to know. Always, smiling and willing to help out someone. Jim went to school with my brother Joe and was very active in school. So many years have passed, but our memories of both will never fade. You married gold Janet and your dad, JT has left an indelible mark on many people. We are so sorry for his passing. Love your friends. ~ Andy (Dean), Joanne & Gregory La Porta, Las Vegas, Nevada 25 Aug. 2015 Our heartfelt condolences to Janet and JT in the passing away of Jim. Praying for the eternal repose of his soul and the consolation of his family. We will remember Jim and his family at the Novena Mass this Sat. Aug 29th in honor of Our Lady of Penafrancia at St Mary Catholic Church. God bless! ~ Rose Cruz-Cayetano Cavagnaro 25 Aug. 2015 Janet, My thoughts and prayers with you and your family. I will always cherish our conversations together. Mt. T will always hold a special place in my heart. I just adored him and his wit. He always had a good comeback when I would give him a hard time about being late. Much love to you and your family. ~ Sonia Nesmith August 25, 2015 Janet and JT I am so saddened to read of Jim's passing, keeping both of you in my daily prayers. ~ Mary Wright
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