James A. Tassie, Lt. Colonel, 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 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

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Flight Class(es): 61-E Call Sign(s): PEDRO Unit(s): 38 ARRS DET 7 (69-70)

Captain Tassie served in the Vietnam War as a HH-43F pilot with Det. 7, 38th ARRS in the 1969-1970-time frame.