James Jim Service

1931 - 2017

James Jim Service obituary, 1931-2017, Carlsbad, CA

BORN

1931

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

El Camino Memorial - Encinitas

340 Melrose Ave

Encinitas, California

James Service Obituary

Vice Admiral James Jim' Service (Ret.) January 20, 1931 - February 10, 2017 Carlsbad Vice Admiral James "Jim" Service, USN (Ret.) 86, of Hailey, Idaho, died Friday, February 10th in Carlsbad, CA with wife, Natalie, and granddaughters Constance Service and Meredith Johnson at his side. Born January 20th, 1931, in Grosse Point, MI, he was the son of the late Bruce E. Service and Constance (Mills) Service. Jim was a decorated Naval Aviator beginning his long, storied career in 1950 as a Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD). He flew combat missions in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, served as test pilot, commanded aviation units and various ships, was President of the Naval War College and ultimately commanded the Naval Air Forces, United States Pacific Fleet, at Naval Air Station, North Island. His aviation squadron commands included Heavy Photographic Squadron 62 in Jacksonville, FL and Heavy Attack Squadron 123 in Whidbey Island, WA. He commanded the Fast Combat Support Ship USS Sacramento (AOE-1) and the aircraft carrier USS Independence(CV-62), which he frequently remarked was one of his most rewarding and challenging assignments. During the Reagan Administration he was Commander Battle Force, Sixth Fleet, and Task Force 60 in the Mediterranean Sea during which time he planned and executed the operation in the Gulf of Sidra in which two F-14A Tomcat fighters from Fighter Squadron 41, USS Nimitz (CVN-68) destroyed two Libyan Su-22 attack aircraft in the Gulf of Sidra incident of 19 August 1981. He was a recipient of the Gray Eagle Award, presented to the active Naval Aviator with the earliest date of designation and was selected for membership in The Early and Pioneer Naval Aviators Association,"Golden Eagles", in recognition of his leadership, outstanding skill as a pilot, his wide experience, good judgment, personal character and dedication to flying. He retired from the Navy in 1987. During his naval career Jim flew nearly every jet in the Navy inventory at one time or another. He continued his love of flying after leaving the Navy, owning two general aviation aircraft in which he would launch on various adventures with his wife, Natalie and three sons. A natural athlete, he seemed to excel at anything he attempted. He was elegant and accurate with a fly rod, an exquisite skier and fabulous wing shot. He was fond of saying, "If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right!". He possessed a playful sense of humor and delighted in a great joke or clever story. In retirement Jim was a director of the Wood River Medical Center in Ketchum, Idaho, from 1991 to 1995 and served as a financial adviser for the PGR Advisors consulting group in San Jose, California. In 1992 Jim accepted an appointment to the board of directors of the Sturm, Ruger Company, Inc. and served as Chairman of the Board from 2006 to 2010 and later as Chairman Emeritus until his death. He was a bold and caring patriarch with a deep love of family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Natalie Harpst Service, along with three sons; Mark and Jane Service of Honolulu, Hawaii, Bruce and Martha Service of Anchorage, Alaska, David and Betsy Service of San Diego, California, six grandchildren; Kyle Service, Brett Service, Kathrine Haluch, Constance Service, Kevin Service, Meredith Johnson, two great-grandchildren; Ryland Neal-Service, Kenna Kate Service and brother; David Service of Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. Memorial services will be held at 2:00PM April 3, 2017 at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy, Tribute and Honor Giving link on The Nature Conservancy website.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Feb. 26, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
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I worked on Jims Cessna 210 at Avionics master I feel so lucky to have met him. we went to lunch every time he came to check on progress of our Installation and swapped sea stories I will never forget him. Jim gave me one of his three star Ball caps I Still Have it here in my Avionics office

Terry Jones

Work

June 13, 2023

My first duty assignment was with ComCarGru2/CTF 60 w/ Admiral Service as my commanding officer (1981-1982). I served onboard the Nimitz, Eisenhower, and Independence under his Command as a Radioman. He was a great man, it was truly an honor to serve with him.

Rm2 John Owen Wright
USN 1981-1992

John Wright

Work

February 19, 2023

Our family feels very humbled and fortunate to have met and spent time with Jim. He was an inspiration to all. Godspeed my man. The Kirsten family - Lodi, CA

Dave Kirsten

March 1, 2017

Thoughts and prayers... Rest In Peace Tag

Marc Ostertag

February 27, 2017

I have many great memories of Jim's big warm smile and inquisitive mind. May God continue to bless the Services in your time of grief.

Mark and Monica Jaszkowski

February 27, 2017

Admiral Service was bigger than life. Always smiling and laughing. He was a wonderful person. It was a tremendous honor to have been his Flag Writer when he commanded all Naval Air Forces. My prayers are with Natalie and the entire family. Janet Gallagher

February 27, 2017

Jim was an outstanding Naval Officer, aviator and friend. We served on Guam and other southeast Pacific areas together. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with Natalie and the family

Bob and Verdie Harville

February 26, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Jim was a wonderful man. We have great memories of him.

Daven& Patsy Louk

February 26, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you

Steven Barrett

February 17, 2017

May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11

February 13, 2017

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Memorial Events
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Apr

3

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery

Cabrillo, CA

Funeral services provided by:

El Camino Memorial - Encinitas

340 Melrose Ave, Encinitas, CA 92024

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