Edmond M. FEEKS

1929 - 2016

FEEKS Edmond M., Captain U.S. Navy, Retired. Died April 26, 2016, at the age of 86. He was born the sixth and youngest child of John J. and Alice O'Donnell Feeks on November 29, 1929 in Richmond Hill, Queens, NY. He received a BA degree in Philosophy from Maryknoll College in 1951, later earning an MA in International Relations from American University, and an MBA from the University of North Florida. He was a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, Newport, RI. In 1957, he married Sandra Estelle Flood. Together they gave life to seven children, one of whom died as an infant. Ed loved his family selflessly and generously, through every joy and sorrow. His passing leaves a monumental void. Capt. Feeks entered the Navy in October of 1952, and was commissioned through the Officer Candidate School. After flight training he was designated a Naval Aviator and spent seven years at Cecil Field, assigned to VF-14, the staffs of Air Groups 16 and 13, and VFP-62. He flew reconnaissance missions in the RF-8A Crusader over Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. In 1967, he reported as Executive Officer of RVAH-6, a reconnaissance squadron based aboard USS RANGER, and flew combat missions in the RA-5C Vigilante over Vietnam. He became Commanding Officer of the same squadron and deployed aboard USS ENTERPRISE, again flying missions over Vietnam. For a short period, he was CO of RVAH-13 aboard USS FORRESTAL. In 1971, he was assigned as Commander, Attack Carrier Air Wing Reserve TWENTY, at NAS Jacksonville. Shore assignments included instructor duty at the academic instructor training unit in Pensacola; flight instructor in Beeville, TX; staff duty at Atlantic Fleet Naval Air Force Headquarters in Norfolk; staff duty at the office of the Chief of Naval Operations in the Pentagon; and finally as CO of the Naval Air Reserve Unit, Jacksonville, FL. Captain Feeks's decorations included the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal (5 Strike/Flight Awards), the Navy Commendation Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service awards. He retired from the Navy in 1979. For the next 18 years, he managed law firms in Jacksonville and Palm Beach, retiring again in 1997. He was a Life Member of the Association of Legal Administrators, Past President of the Jacksonville Chapter, and Charter President of the Palm Beach Chapter. Ed spent the last two decades preparing tax returns, eventually qualifying as an Enrolled Agent with the Internal Revenue Service. In this he gave generously to people dealing with various tax problems, often making house calls. Ed enjoyed many years in the Tailhook Association (Charter Member), the Navy League, the Association of Naval Aviation, the Military Officers' Association of America, the San Jose Country Club, and the San Jose Yacht Club (Commodore, 2003). He served as a lector for more than 40 years at Catholic parishes in Rhode Island, Virginia, and Florida. He was President of the Parish Council of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mandarin (1981-1983), and most recently a parishioner of Assumption Catholic Church. Ed is predeceased by his parents; his infant son, Robert; brothers John O'D., James J., and Thomas V., and sister, Alice F. Walsh. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Sandra; children, Dr. Edmond F. Feeks (Mary), Michael J. Feeks (Bridget), Lawrence G. Feeks, Mary F. Davis (Eric), Elizabeth A. Koller (Steven), and LtCol William A. Feeks, USMC (Laura); twenty-six grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren; a sister, Grace Fitzpatrick; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews The family will receive friends and well-wishers from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 1st with Vigil Prayers at 6:00 p.m. in Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 2nd in Assumption Catholic Church 2403 Atlantic Blvd. Jacksonville, with Father Frederick Parke as Celebrant, followed by interment with honors in Jacksonville National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Early Childhood Learning Center http://assumptionjax.org/preschool Women's Help Center http://whcjax.com/help/donate/index.php Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.