More detail on this person: James Michael Caesar, 68, of Mill Creek, Washington passed peacefully
in his sleep on the night of February 13, 2014 while on vacation in Kauai, Hawaii. He was born on
December 11, 1945.
Jim was an extraordinary leader who touched many lives. He dedicated his life to his family and
friends and relished every moment he spent with them. He was an extremely active and fit man who
enjoyed marathoning, backpacking in the high Cascades, biking, woodworking, his 1967 Austin Healey
and collecting and sampling fine wine. He loved jazz, classical music and opera, as well as rock and
roll. Recently he had begun to study Italian and art history.
Jim is survived by his wife and best friend Elizabeth (Betsy), his three children and their spouses
Mona Caesar Johnson (Bryan), James Michael Caesar, Jr. (Cheryl), and Matthew Joseph Caesar (Zoe);
and grandchildren Lauren and Cameron Johnson, Charles and Nicholas Caesar, and Ronan and Sophia
Caesar; his parents; his cherished aunt, Virginia Groh; and his brothers Dan and Doug Caesar and
sister Anita Kaplan.
Jim grew up in Lakewood, Washington and graduated from Arlington High School in 1964, and married
Betsy the following year. After high school he enlisted in the United States Army and was
recommended for Armor Officer Candidate School shortly thereafter. He accepted a commission with
the U.S. Army in 1967 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1989, completing nearly 24 years of
honorable and exceptional service. After retiring from the military, he worked for the Boeing
Company as a senior personnel manager, later retiring from that position as well.
Jim served two tours in Vietnam and was recognized for his service with numerous decorations
including the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Vietnam
Cross of Gallantry (unit citation). He also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Senior Army
Aviator Badge.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 08/31/2024
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