More detail on this person: 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 Sept. 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
This information was last updated 07/27/2013
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