James William Caskey

James William Caskey
James William Caskey, Air Force Officer, Educator. Long-time Bethlehem resident James William Caskey, 91, an Army Air Corps fighter pilot in World War II, retired Lt. Colonel in the U.S Air Force, and the former Director of Financial Aid for Moravian College, died December 21, 2012 in Hospice care at Moravian Village of Bethlehem, where he lived with his wife, Dolores. Mr. Caskey was born in Loveland, OH in 1921, and in 1941 became an Aviation Cadet in the Army Air Corps. After receiving his wings, he flew 101 combat missions in China with the 14th Air Force, or Flying Tigers. His Air Force career lasted 27 years and included combat flying duty in the Korean War, service as a comptroller and academic instructor, as well as flying duty in Europe, North Africa, Central and South America, and throughout out the continental United States. Mr. Caskey received a B.S. from the University of California at Berkeley in 1958, and an M.A. from Lehigh University in 1966, where he headed the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment for five years. His decorations included two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star and the Air Medal with oak leaf cluster. Upon retiring from the Air Force in 1968, Mr. Caskey became the Director of Financial Aid at Moravian College, a position he held until 1984. At Moravian, Mr. Caskey worked to increase the opportunities of higher education for traditionally underserved groups. For over 30 years, My Caskey was part of the fellowship of Bill W., where he will be missed by many as both a sponsor and a friend. He died sober. Mr. Caskey served on the Boards of the Pretrial Services Agency, Northampton County Area Community College, Family Counseling Services, Visiting Nurses Association, and New Bethany Ministries. The Caskeys are active congregants of Trinity Episcopal Church, and Mr. Caskey served on the Vestry of St. Andrews and Trinity Episcopal Churches in the Diocese of Bethlehem. The Caskeys served as volunteers in Trinitys soup kitchen for over 20 years. Mr. Caskey was a long time volunteer at Gracedale and for Meals on Wheels. Mr. Caskey was a member of Emery Lodge, FN&AM #258, Loveland, OH, Rotary International, the Military Officers Association of America, and the 14th Air Force Association. Survivors: Mr. Caskey is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dolores Caskey, with whom he was active in many political campaigns and various community service endeavors, including efforts to enhance civil rights, and improve public housing and the criminal justice system. Mr. Caskey is also survived by three sons, Michael and spouse, Kimberly, of Escalon, CA, Robert of Los Angeles, CA, and David and spouse, Mimi, of University Park, MD; four grandchildren, Ian, Jerilynn, Christopher, Aurora; and one great-grandchild, Nicholas. Services: A Memorial service will be announced later. Burial will take place in Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements c/o Downing Funeral Home, Inc. Contributions: Can be made to the Northeast Ministry, PO Box 1463, Bethlehem, PA 18016 or to Moravian Village Good Samaritan Fund.