James W. "Jim" Kissick Jr.

James W. "Jim" Kissick, Jr. Cdr USN (Ret.), 92, of Bradenton Beach, a descendant of pioneers including the individual responsible for the formation of Manatee County in 1855,and a grandfather who represented the steamship line serving, twice daily, the travel needs to Tampa from the 1880's until 1909, who then became Director of the Seaboard Rail Line. Jim was born on Terra Ceia Island in 1924 to the late James W. and Mabel (Armstrong) Kissick. He graduated from Palmetto High School and entered the U.S. Navy in June 1942, and served as a combat air crewman in dive bombers over Japan, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, the battleship Yamato, and others. He earned a BS Degree in Aviation Operations Engineering in 1948, and accepted a US Navy commission. As a pilot he qualified in many props, all early jet fighters, as an airship commander, and extensively in anti-sub helicopters. In late 2014 he learned he was the only known quadruple-qualified pilot of all active/retired aviators. His unusual military career, also, included carrier bridge qualifications to Task Force level. During Vietnam he served as Staff Operations Officer of the Amphibious Ready Group, and later, in Southern Command, became the Military Assistance Director for Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross and many other awards. He, also, received several "Winged S" awards from Skikorsy Helicopters for saving lives, and being saved by their aircraft. Military retirement in 1967 led to piloting a helicopter for a newspaper in Illinois. Concurrently, he became Technical Editor, Columnist, Feature Writer and Test Pilot for their world-class aviation magazine. Returning to Florida in 1971 he flew for corporations, operated his own aerial advertising business, and was twice elected as City Councilman for Bradenton Beach. For a period he managed a helicopter company in Louisiana, and, later he led an airline/helo company serving the Bahamas. In Manatee County his memberships included the Veteran's Council, Military Order of the World Wars, the Naval Aviation "Squadron", the Military Officers Association, the American Legion, the Manatee County and Anna Maria Historical Societies and others. Jim was also a member of Roser Memorial Community Church on Anna Maria, and also sang for 23 years in a Methodist choir. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 32 Years, Marcella of Bradenton Beach, one son, James W. Kissick, III of Bradenton, four daughters; Anita (Tony) Walters of Springfield, IL, Peggy (Jerry) Jamison of Denver, CO, Ginger McLin, and Mary Kay Vanasse both of Bradenton, step-son, Thomas (Yvonne) Tryon of Ellenton, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, with final honors by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. The family request that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to Manasota Operation Troop Support, 4301 32nd St. W., Suite C-20, Bradenton, Fl. 34205 in his memory. Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.