The Selfless Soldier

May 10th, 2011 by MattCasey

This site is dedicated to the memory of our father – the greatest man I have known!  James Michael Casey, Jim, Jimmy, Dad, Pop Pop… the MAN – Your giving nature was recognized and admired by all!  I love you Dad

 Please help keep his memory alive by sharing your comments, stories, and lots and lots of photos!

JMC Pages:   Obituary  |  Eulogy  |  Photo Galleries  |  Photo Albums

see Post about donations to: Carpenters for Christ

Please check back often, as I plan to load a Ton of more photos, videos and memories of Dad. You do not need to register for the site to leave a comment, but can easily do so to create your own post threads and to upload photos.

Callaghan-Friel Families…Lifelong Friends of Casey Clan

October 22nd, 2011 by Lisa

Hello. My family and I are saddened to hear of the loss of Jim, son of Jim & Mary Casey. Please accept our sincere condolences.  I grew up knowing them all as friends of my grandparents Francis (Reds/Frank) & Emma Callaghan.  I think Pop-Pop & Mr. Casey knew each other in the Navy, both were from Ireland. They built the newer “efficiency units” together. Some of the best summers & times of my life were spent at Casey’s Magic Rest on Juniper St. in Wildwood. We got to see Mary & Jim out here in AZ in the early 90′s. Before that my grandparents attended Johnny’s flight school graduation out here in AZ. 1995 was the last time we saw Jim, Mary & son Jim. I wanted them to meet Kelly our newest addition. I think it was also the ocassion of Jim & Mary’s 50th wedding anniversary, she was on her way to get her hair done but got to see our new Kelly Shea & Tommy again. I think I have a picture of Mr. Casey, Jim, myself & kids under the sign. If I find it I’ll post it. Please give our best regards to Mr. Casey as well as our deepest sympathy on the loss of his fine, brave son Jim.  A nicer guy you’ll never meet from a great Irish family.

Love & Best Regards to all of the Casey Clan,

Lisa Friel Jasper ((Callaghan’s oldest grandaughter)

Peoria, AZ.

Jimmy’s baby sitter in the 50′s

July 30th, 2011 by mrcchewsmom

I am Mary Casey from Arden Street and my Uncle Tom Casey, my father’s brother was married to Jimmy Casey’s sister Ellie. I babysat for Barbara, Eileen and Jimmy.  Practically every weekend I watched them.

This was for years, I started when I wad 11 years old and on occasion I would take my younger brother, Donald with me.  New Year’s Eve etc.

I really didn’t know the younger two children.

May Jimmy rest in peace.

 

Dad’s Day

June 10th, 2011 by MattCasey

Missed you Dad… I think the Yankees did also!

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Happy Birthday Dad

June 4th, 2011 by MattCasey
May 28th 2006… we were actually early that year in wishing dad a happy birthday (for a change), and he didn’t know it was coming .
Surprise Birthday cake for Pop Pop

 Below are the pictures in order as you can the boys waiting to sing happy birthday and tear up that cake! Going to miss how you got the kids all worked up (and hyped up on sugar).  Was really looking forward to this year’s celebration, as I know Read the rest of this entry »

Wailing Wall

May 31st, 2011 by MattCasey

Just an FYI… Last week while in Israel for work my team and I were invited by FedEx Isreal to an exclusive tour of the “Old City” followed by a business dinner at the Mamilla Hotel. Although we were not able to make it over to Jerusalem in time for the tour, we did make it there a bit early for the dinner. We had just enough time for my Israeli colleague to drop my boss and I off in front of the Western Wall entrance to the old city (“Batei Mahase”). I ran up and placed the memorial prayer card from Dad’s service in the wailing wall, and said a little prayer for him and the family. They say that wall has a direct line to the big guy upstairs!


 

JIM DANDY

May 31st, 2011 by Maureen

Just found this poem Lenny wrote about my brother Jimmy

JIM DANDY

So, you’re looking for something brand new, we’ll think you found the spot

We’ve got everything you need, on the “good-friend parking lot”

Everything from ‘dependable’ — to ‘eye-candy’ can be fun

But let’s start with the best, oh, yes,  Jim Dandy is the one! Read the rest of this entry »

Rest in Peace My Dear Friend

May 27th, 2011 by Clark Housewright

Jim was a dear friend, neighbor and colleague of mine over the past several years at Fort Rucker, Alabama.  My family and I are deeply saddened to hear about his sudden death.  He will be greatly missed.  We shared the same birthday, both day and year and will continue to so.  May he rest in peace.  Our prayers and condolences are with his friends and family.

Sincerely,

Clark Housewright and Family

Written by James W Casey: Leadership

May 17th, 2011 by jameswcasey

 Hard working, Dependable, Loyal – A true Leader!

Dad served proudly as an officer in the US Army for more than 20 years and then 15 more years serving as a civilian consultant to the military. Dad was very proud of his service! I was looking through my grandfather’s (Pop Pop or Old Man Casey as he now likes to be called, at 95 you get to pick your names!) memory box and found a 1979 flight school graduation. There were 50 or so students in the class, 3 graduated with honors of course dad was one of them. Dad was a Blackhawk Helicopter pilot for most of his career. He served as the XO of the 201st Aviation Company in Korea, he was very proud to have served his country overseas. Dad late in his career served as the XO Read the rest of this entry »

Untitled

May 17th, 2011 by Lfievet

Just wanted to say that Jim was a very dear friend, and he will truly be missed.  Im so sorry for your loss.  I knew Jim for many years, and I can say he was one of a kind.  We were neighbors for several years when he lived in Hoover.   He always included my son David when he and Dillon did fun things on weekends when Dillon was with he.  They came to several of Davids baseballs games and rooted him on!!  He was alway a joy to be around..  I remember Jim as one who put others first before himself.  RIP  Jim, you are missed!

if Heaven wasn’t so far away

May 17th, 2011 by lenny

this post is from my sister clare‘s website

http://clare-dunn.blogspot.com/2011/05/if-heaven-wasnt-so-far-away.html?showComment=1305635755295#c1131217576976436640

Carpenters for Christ

May 16th, 2011 by MattCasey

I believe there has been some confusion about donations… Dad was a BIG supporter of this charity, and for years he would spend a good portion of his vacation time swinging a hammer and breaking his back in what I am sure was some dry HOT weather in the southeast.  Read the rest of this entry »

Flight school 1978

May 16th, 2011 by MattCasey

 Camera phone picture of a picture of Dad During his flight school days at Fort Rucker Alabama (will need to scan this one in to improve the quality). I remember being amazed at how big that helmet was, and how dad was like “Luke Skywalker”!

what do we do now?

May 15th, 2011 by lenny
jim casey was one in a million.
.
he loved to fish,
but he loved it even more when someone else would catch the biggest fish
– because jim was all about sharing your moment.
.
jim casey always sent hand-written “thank you” notes after an event or a visit.
jim casey always had a gift or a treat for the kids.
jim casey always made sure that everyone Read the rest of this entry »

how to survive a depression

May 14th, 2011 by lenny

this post was written, about jim, back on october 14, 2008:
it is entitled HTSAD-3 (“how to survive a depression”).  for the original, click here:   http://wellnesseducationblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/htsad-step-3.html

HTSAD (how to survive a depression), step 3: cultivate positive interpersonal relationships

surviving and thriving in a depression/recession (even an economic one) is, for the most part, not about having money.

the key is to be able to access that which is important to you at the time. ..it may be water, it may be food, it may be transportation, it may even be protection.

the bottom line? we’ll need other people. Read the rest of this entry »

irish Angel

May 14th, 2011 by lenny

jim is my irish Angel” – abby williams

a missing-man formation is the order of the day
a gentle irish Angel who is showing us the way
a missing-man formation is the first toast of the night
a resting irish Angel who makes everything all-right
————————————————————————————————-

selfless soldier
by f. t. bliss

(sung to the tune of “breathe” (2 a.m.) by ann nalick — it even uses her ft. bliss reference)
selfless soldier, he crosses a very fine line
is it war? is it Peace? is it Love? is it time?
Read the rest of this entry »

Fondest Memories of Jim

May 14th, 2011 by dick daniels

Though my wife Caye and I only knew Jim for about 10 years we feel like we grew together since childhood. He had a knack of sharing his life with you in such a way you think you knew him all along.  We were neighbors in Destin, Fl  and I “camped” with him in Daleville. Al–I too worked the flight training contract at Ft. Rucker and got to know him professionaly and socialy{see blog by Donna Overstreet) almost on a daily basis.

Through Jim we were able to meet more of his friends and have great times together–mainly at parties at Jim’s house. Our experiences with him reflect on his impeccable manners, social Read the rest of this entry »

The Hallmark Man

May 14th, 2011 by Niece

Did my Uncle Jimmy ever let a birthday or anniversary go by without sending a card? No. I always got a card for my birthday and anniversary from him. I have never known anyone who was so good at acknowledging those special days with a card. In March I celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary and as I have come to expect Uncle Jimmy’s card showed up right on time. Every year for 20 years he sent us a card on our anniversary. I don’t even think my husband gave me a card every year and I am sure I didn’t get him one every year either. Thank you, Uncle Jimmy, for reminding us with your cards of the important vows we made that day.

Donald Duck and the Beach

May 14th, 2011 by Niece

I remember when I was young and would cry, Uncle Jimmy would always try to cheer me up by using his Donald Duck voice. It usually would work. He always entertained me and my brothers with this unique vocal talent… When I was trying to tell my kids the bad news, they said, “Uncle Jimmy? The one who talks like Donald Duck?” He used the same voice to entertain my kids too! He always seemed to love to be around young children and was always so good with them. This leads me to remember the times we would go to the beach, Wildwood of course. He would always help the kids dig a deep hole. I vaguely remember him saying we were going to dig to China. I vaguely remember burying different people in those holes, but I definitely remember him digging right there with us. Thank you, Uncle Jimmy, I hope I can be as good with the children in my life as you were with me.

Remembering Jim

May 13th, 2011 by Bruce Johnson

I first met Jim in July of 1982.  At my first duty station after Army flight school, I was sent to Camp Humphreys, Korea.  There, “Captain” Jim Casey was the Executive Officer of the 201st Assault Helicopter Company.  I became one of the Platoon Leaders and worked with Jim for several months, until his reassignment.   One thing I remember was his efficiency at keeping the company, the Company Commander, and all us junior officers, straight.  He was one of the most organized people I had ever met.  He worked long hours and kept notes on everything.  We were flying UH-1 “Huey’s” in those days and did many missions at night using the old AN-PVS5 Night Vision Goggles(NVG).  Looking back, Read the rest of this entry »

fond memories of Jim Casey

May 12th, 2011 by dick daniels

Casey/O’Connor/Hennelly Clans

May 12th, 2011 by balueder

I too don’t have a just one favorite memory of Jimmy. My childhood memories include him and his sibilings. My Mom did a good job keeping the families close and letting us know how important is was to know one another. I think that was accomplished with our many visits from Rockaway Beach, NY to Washington Heights & Jackson Heights for many Holiday visits. What I do remember of Jimmy was he was great father, a great son, a great brother and last but not least an Wonderful Grandpa to his grandchildren. How many did you see him without a smile on his face regardless of what was going on around him. He will be miss by more people than you can imagine. Love BettyAnn Lueder (next in the birth pecking order of the Casey/O’Connor/Hennelly Clans

Did you Know?

May 11th, 2011 by MattCasey

“Jim was assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) as the XO of the task force 160th Knight Stalkers.  The 160th is a special operations unit of the United States Army that provides helicopter aviation support for Special Operations Forces. The 160th SOAR are also known as the Night Stalkers and their motto is Night Stalkers Don’t Quit.  The 160th SOAR consists of the Army’s best-qualified aviators and support soldiers and its missions have included attack, assault, and reconnaissance, and are usually conducted at night, at high speeds, low altitudes, and on short notice.”

What is your favorite JMC memory?

May 11th, 2011 by MattCasey

I have sooo many that I can’t decide on a favorite now… Let me think on it for awhile, and I’ll get back to you. I Want to hear yours… add your comments below – Matt

Remembering Jim

May 10th, 2011 by MattCasey

Comment below