James L. Kaiser

Col. James L. Kaiser

Col. James L. Kaiser (USMA, Class of 1941) died peacefully in his sleep on March 9, 2006, at the age of 90.

Col. Kaiser was one of the most highly decorated men in World War II, having received, amongst others, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star. He also received the Purple Heart with two clusters and was decorated by the French and Dutch governments. He was most proud of the fact that he was recommended for all his battlefield medals by the men who served under him. He received these honors while serving with the 505th Para Infantry, 82nd Airborne, and commanding the 3rd Battalion of the 505th.

At the end of World War II, Col. Kaiser was assigned to the State Department in Berlin as the Intelligence Officer and United States liaison with the German government. At the same time, he trained for Olympic equestrian events. He won the British, U.S., and French Open horse shows, as well as the Grand Prix in Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, and Aachen, Germany.

After a tour of duty as Military Attache in Vienna, Col. and Mrs. Kaiser returned to Washington and the Pentagon, where Col. Kaiser became Director of Combat Intelligence, Department of the Army. After retiring in 1968, he and his family moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he acquired a Master of Business Administration and was involved in real estate, financial management, and civic development. He actively developed and gained passage of the Dunes Protection Act for the city and state oceanfront beaches of Virginia.

Col. Kaiser was preceded in death by his adored and devoted wife of almost 60 years, Mary-Scott "Skit" Kaiser. Their life together was a journey they both enjoyed immensely. Along the way they acquired many friends, had many adventures, and thrived in each other's company. He is survived by his daughters, Mary-Scott "Cottie" Kaiser and Campbell Casement Kaiser, to whom he was an extraordinary father and respected friend. He also leaves three grandchildren, James C. Hunter, MaryScott Hunter, and Peter M. Hull, all of whom idolized their loving grandfather and frequently sought his advice. Anne Kaiser, his beloved niece, will also miss the excellent advice and consistent wisdom that he gave us all. He will also be sadly missed by Dangaix "Sandy" Allen, a long-time family friend and companion to Cottie Kaiser for the last 20 years.

This earth will be a lesser place for his absence. He was a hero to many.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, 740 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23451.