More detail on this person: Lary, James E.
"Jim" Jim Lt. Col. (USMC-Ret), passed away quietly
on December 28, 2016. Born on February 7, 1936
to Harold and Mary Lary in Oklahoma City, OK, and
big brother (Bubba) to Ketha Lary Verzani, all who
preceded him in death. After pursing a college
football career, he decided to follow his dreams
of aviation and became an officer in the Marine
Corps as a pilot of both helicopters and fixed
wing and VSTOL fighter jets. He attended flight
school in Pensacola, FL, and was a member of the
elite Archie Angels HUS helicopters and 3 O1B
aircraft of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron
HMM 362 led by Lt. Col. Archie Clapp the first
Marine units to deploy to Vietnam. He completed 2
tours of Vietnam and was considered a hero for
receiving many commendations including the
Distinguished Flying Cross and Silver Star. He
married Charlanne Wilson (who preceded him in
death in 2004) in 1959 and they had 3 daughters,
Kimberly Bender, Kathryn Pierson and Kristin Lary.
He was a very proud Marine and some other
noteworthy accomplishments of his career were:
appointed an alternate pilot for an Apollo
recovery team; served as Executive Officer onboard
the USS Iwo Jima out of Norfolk, VA, Executive
Officer of VMA 231 and Commanding Officer of
VMAT 203 Harrier Training Squadron in Cherry
Point, NC and Camp Lejeune, NC. After his military
retirement, he worked for 20+ years at Beechcraft
Aircraft (becoming Raytheon later) as a corporate
pilot and Program Manager of Military Contracts in
Wichita, KS. It was there, he married Marvis
Goosetree and was married for 14 years. Jim was a
man of huge heart and grace. He was all about his
simple upbringing in the Midwest, family, Marine
Corps career and legacy, and devotion to his
puppies and love of animals. He is survived by his
beloved daughters mentioned above; son-in-law,
David Bender; 7 grandchildren, Brittany and Justin
Brown; Daniel and Sarah Bender; Marcelle, Connor
and Abigail Pierson; niece, Jan Pennington; and
nephews, Jeffrey (who preceded him in death 2016)
and Joshua. In lieu of flowers, we ask you
remember your loved ones, especially those who
served, and consider ASPCA and Wounded
Warriors Project. Arrangements for a full military
honors service will be held at Arlington National
Cemetery with details to be disclosed when
finalized.
Published in The Wichita Eagle on Jan. 5, 2017
Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
This information was last updated 01/26/2017
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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