James Trachta Obituary

SMSgt James "Jim" Trachta, USAF, Ret. departed this earth August 24, 2017 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, March 1937 to Adolph and Victoria Trachta.

Jim proudly served his beloved country in the United States Air Force for twenty-six years. He served at many radar sites in the United States: Iceland, Alaska, and Germany. He was especially proud of his service at Key West, Florida, during the Cuban Crisis, as an AWACS crew member at Otis AFB, Massachusetts, and the 6912th Security Service Squadron in Berlin, Germany during the Cold War. Jim met his life's mate at Otis AFB, Massachusetts. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage that included traveling and serving wherever the Air Force sent them before settling in Colorado Springs. After retiring, Jim enjoyed his hobby of stained glass, producing works of art for special people who had touched his life.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Jeannette Ingram. He is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Nathan and wife Mimi of Colorado Springs; and grandson, Ian (U.S. Navy) and wife Katy of San Diego, California.

The family expresses deep appreciation to Pikes Peak Hospice for the compassionate care they gave Jim during his final courage battle. We are also grateful to the Internal Medicine Clinic of the Air Force Academy personnel who managed other health issues during the last two years, with special thanks to nurses Ron Carr and Terri Rose, and most of all Dr. Ilona Kossek.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation, 2550 Tenderfoot Hill Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at Shrine of Remembrance "America the Beautiful" Chapel. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow the service at the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 South Union Boulevard.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Aug. 30, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for James Trachta

13 Entries

Douglas Boggie

November 14, 2018

I have little doubt this is the same James Trachta who was my NCOIC @ Tin City AFS (710 ACWS - "Primus Nuntius") circa 1976 or 77. Jim was my guide dog for my tour as his Ops Officer at this remote NORAD station. His wise counsel and patient tolerance for my occasionally excessive responses to USAF blunders was appreciated only many years later. He was also a technical expert, and he enjoyed regaling me (a USAF pilot) with his EC-121 stories. Rest in Peace, Jim!

Al & Star Harvey

September 6, 2017

Dear Mary & family:
We are so sorry for the loss of our dear friend/neighbor. Our hearts & condolences go out to you & your family as we celebrate the Homegoing of our brother & dear friend, Jim❣ You & Jim were so kind to us when we first moved to Abbey. It was a hugh step re-locating after 32 1/2 years in Alaska and not knowing anyone here in COS at the time. But, Jim, lol. He gave us all the info we needed to rest assured that we had chosen the right place! You both welcomed us with open arms and that was the beginning of a true, Godly friendship. One that we will forever cherish and be thankful for.
Jim has gone on to glory to be with our Lord & Savior; He is safe and at peace in the arms of Jesus!
Rest in HIS peace, Jim, until we meet sgain in Glory.
His peace, your friends & neighbors,
Al & Star

Rev Bob Kwiatkowski

September 6, 2017

Please accept my condolence on behalf of TREA the Enlisted Association Chapter 1. We pray that God will be your source of strength and comfort

Mark Ingles

September 5, 2017

What a tremendous, godly, and fearless man. I loved this guy and was so privileged to be he and Mary's Chaplain while at Peterson AFB. Jim, may heaven be the better place now that your are with our Father. We will miss you but I look forward to the time I'll see you again!!

pamela terry power

September 5, 2017

We are sending our prayers and love to you during this difficult time. (friends of Nathan and Mimi) Pamela Terry Power and David Power

Fred Mehner

September 3, 2017

Personally, I saw JT as a devout Christian, strong head, kind, opinionated, funny, sometime telling me jokes at church, and he was generous. At first glance you might see a rough tough guy but once you knew him he was gentle. Trish, my wife called him a "gentle bear". I like being around JT. There wasn't any phoniness with him, what you see is what you get, I will miss him.

Trish Mehner

September 3, 2017

Mary and family, Jim was my friend from the moment we met. His smile and yes charm loving heart brought joy to my life. Thank you all for sharing him with me. God bless you.

Lari and Jerry Allen

August 31, 2017

Mary, and Family,
are hearts go out to you all,
and Jim was a real jewel of a man raised with Iowa blood!!! He will be in are
hearts FOREVER. Love you Mary.

Becky Conley

August 30, 2017

My love and prayers to all at this very sad time. I will miss him very much.

Nancey Edwards

August 30, 2017

My condolences to the family. You are loved by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nancey Edwards, Lynn Baldwin and Carolyn Ondrusick .

John Delaney

August 30, 2017

My condolences to the family from a former co-worker of Nathans (ABEK)

August 30, 2017

Providing nursing care to our nation's warriors, past and present, has been one of the highlights of my life. It was my honor and privilege to serve Jim for the past few years. The world will be a poorer place for the loss of this gentleman. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Trachta family.

In Service,
Ron carr

August 30, 2017

I'm so sorry for your loss.

May the God of all comfort, bring comfort to the Trachta family during these difficult times.

(2 Corin.1:3,4)

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