James P. Geracci

U.S. Air Force, Retired Colonel (Dr.) James P. Geracci, age 78, went with his Lord, Jesus Christ, passing peacefully with family and friends at his side, Thursday, May 7, 2009. Jim was born in Niagara Falls, NY, September, 17, 1930. A hard worker from an early age, Jim helped his parents run their Italian restaurant in Lake George, NY. A gifted student, he graduated from Niagara University, followed by attaining his doctoral degree in dental science from the University of Buffalo, and completing post-graduate periodontal training at Tufts University. In 1958, Jim found his life's love, Louise D'Anna, at Niagara Falls High School, his alma mater. Upon marrying, their unconditional love spanned more than 54 years. Jim's love of country led him and Louise to the U.S. Air Force and several years of moving in the military to homes around the world before settling in the city they came to love, Las Vegas. Jim's first assignment was at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, followed by another in the Panama Canal Zone, where their first son, Gary, was born. It was on to Boston for a residence in periodontia at Tufts University Dental School. The next stop for the growing Geracci family was Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, where son, Jimmy, was born. The family then shipped off to Torrejon, Spain from 1972-1976, and finally made their last military move to Nellis Air Force Base, where Jim was appointed chief of dental surgery, building the Nellis Dental Program into the model clinic in the Air Force. After retiring from active duty, Jim jumped right into his second successful career as a financial advisor at Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc., attaining the title of senior vice president of investments at Morgan Stanley. Jim earned the highest honor afforded any member of the firm, that of appointment to the Chairman's Club. Fiercely proud of his Italian heritage, Jim's first love was always family. His two tall and sturdy sons followed in their father's footsteps, serving our country in military medicine. Gary as an Air Force colonel and Jim an Army lieutenant colonel. Four athletic and talented grandsons, Jamison (14), Harper (11), Greer (8) and Justin (3), adored their Grandpa and were sure to be taught Jim's pizza-making expertise. He deeply loved his daughters-in-law, Kristie and Jenny. A devout Catholic and 31 year member of St. Viator's Parish, Jim extended his love to his loyal clients and his many, many friends. With his sophisticated knowledge of the financial markets, his professional friendly manner and, of course, his infectious laugh, Jim earned loyalty and respect with clients and co-workers of all ages and backgrounds for over 27 years. Jim will forever be remembered as a great Italian-American patriot, whose many marks left in life will forever serve as a model for those who knew him and those who will be told about him. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Rocco and Rose Geracci; and daughter, Laurie Louise Geracci. He is survived by his beloved wife, Louise (nee D'Anna); sons, Col. Gary James Geracci, USAF (Jenny) of Las Vegas, and Lt. Col. James J. Geracci, U.S. Army (Kristie) of Austin, Texas; grandsons, Jamison, Harper, Greer and Justin Geracci. Burial was in the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City. Family requests donations to TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), an organization that supports families of servicemen killed in action. Phone (800) 959-8277 or at www.taps.org or masses at the church of your choice. Visit www.legacy.com/niagara-gazette for online guest register.