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James CURTIS Obituary
Born in Newport News, Aug. 15, 1930, he was raised there, the eldest son of the late R. Bickford Curtis and Mary A. Curtis Black. Family members have long resided in the Denbigh and Lee Hall area.
After graduating from Warwick High School in 1950, he served in the 1st Cavalry Division of the U.S. Army, in the Korean War, receiving two Purple Heart medals. Returning to Newport News, he began pursuing his interest in commercial aviation. He was a graduate of Embry-Riddle School of Aviation in Florida and began his much-anticipated career as a commercial airline pilot with Capital Airlines. He retired, as a Captain, from United Airlines after a career of some 37 years. He served for a period of time as the master executive counsel (MEC) for the Air Line Pilots' Association (ALPA) for pilots of United Airlines in the Washington D.C. area.
He resided in the Fairfax, Va., region for some 20 years before returning to the Denbigh area of Newport News. His family was the focus of his life; he was a devoted father and deeply involved in the activities of his family and the community, serving as PTA president, Little League coach, deacon of the First Baptist Church of Newport News, and grand marshal of the Denbigh Day Parade. Jim followed his great love of traveling the world and lifelong interest in boating and golf, always bringing his sense of humor into life's affairs.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Doris Haughton Curtis.
He leaves his daughter, Tina and her husband, Judson W. Clements Jr., of Newport News; a son, James Madison A. Curtis and his wife, Kimberly R. of Hampton; three grandsons, Judson C. Clements and his wife, Heather of Newport News, James P. Curtis of Gloucester, and Tyler Parker Curtis of Gloucester; one granddaughter, Stephanie A. Curtis of Gloucester; two great-grandchildren, Judson H. Clements and Caroline F. Clements. He is survived by a sister, Catharine and her husband, Carlton Coppersmith of West Simsbury, Conn.; a brother, R. Bickford (Bob) Curtis and his wife, Frances of Locust Grove, Va.; a brother-in-law, Richard (Dick) Haughton and his wife, Jeannette of Newport News; and other family and friends.
Visitation for family and friends will be held at noon, Friday, July 9, 2010, at Peninsula Funeral Home. The funeral service will be conducted there at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Dr. James White officiating. Graveside service with military honors and interment will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James CURTIS
Donald Childrey
August 3, 2010
Sorry hear this , my parents were great friends of Jim, My dad flew with Jim for many of those years and we lived in Fairfax a couple houses away!
Gene Couvillion
July 9, 2010
He was a good man, had a great sense of humor and I enjoyed being his co-pilot. My sympathy to his family.
Maria Dickerson
July 9, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Bill Nolan
July 8, 2010
So long Jim, you're gone but never forgotten, we flew together many times; you were always a great pilot, and a great friend, you were too young to die !
ruby gilbert
July 8, 2010
May God's loving presence comfort you and give you peace. Ruby Gilbert, First Baptist Church, Newport News, VA
Susan and Mike Powell
July 8, 2010
So sorry for your loss. Jim was one of my Dad's best friends, and he will be missed!
Anya Borden
July 8, 2010
Jim brightened my mother's life for a time, reminding her that she was still vibrant and attractive. His humor and his love for her made us all very happy, we were thankful for his presence right up til the end of his life.
Walter Lowe
July 8, 2010
I remember Jim and Catherine as classmates at Hilton Elementary School and his Dad as sheriff of Warwick County. On the first day of seventh grade, the teacher asked each child what they wanted to be when they grew up. When she called on Jim, without hesitation he answered "airplane pilot". I have remembered that these many years and was impressed that he followed through with his childhood aspiration. Catherine and family, I am truly sorry for your loss.
Lisa Hayes
July 7, 2010
Tina,Jim & Family ,
I am so sorry for your loss.Uncle Jimmy had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone.He never met a stranger and always had a funny story or comment to add in any situation.
He will be remembered as a wonderful and loving Son,Brother,Husband,Father,Grandfather and Uncle.
He will be greatly missed,take comfort in knowing he is with his Saviour and those who have gone home before him .
vera & diana
July 7, 2010
dear tina, jud, judson, heather, jay and caroline, we will miss jim/granddaddy and his fun sense of humor :)we are smiling that he is now dancing with doris in heaven xo
much love, the "angels" diana and vera
Butch Watkins
July 7, 2010
Heaven receives one of God's finest works. As a United Station Agent, I serviced the flights Captain Curtis flew into PHF from 1968 to 1978. He always had a friendly smile and words of encouragement and appreciation for everyone with whom he came in contact. Every time we saw his smiling face from the flight deck upon arrival and received his salute at departure, our day was better for the experience. Enjoy your peace in Heaven, Jim. You've earned it.
July 7, 2010
To the Curtis family. Jim was a good friend and an admired coworker. By all of the employees of United Airlines at Patrick Henry Airport.
Rube & Judy Brett
July 7, 2010
Jim was a wonderful man with lots of good flying stories. He will be missed by all that knew him. Ours hearts go out to his family.
Joann and Bob George
July 7, 2010
Dear Jim, Tina, and families,
Our sincerest sympathy to all of you at the loss of your dad. We loved Jim also, even though we had lost touch recently. Those years when little Jim and Robbie were growing up and you were members of our church are especially dear memories. We all (Jim and Doris and Bob and I) were never surprised at what you boys would do next. Remember the trip to Hawaii when you ran out of money and came home on $.47?? Hope your life will soon be able to put away the sorrow and be filled with happy memories. We are praying for all of you. Sincerely,
Katrina Mason
July 7, 2010
Jim and Kim, you have my condolences. May God be with you and your family in this time of grief. All of you will continue to be in my prayers.
Katrina and Family
JIM CURTIS
July 7, 2010
HE WAS THE BEST FATHER IN THE WORLD.
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