Capt. James Ernest Lacy

1930 - 2017

BORN

1930

DIED

2017

About

University of Southern California

James Lacy Obituary

James Ernest Lacy, Capt., USN (Ret.) Novato - James Ernest Lacy, Capt., USN (Ret.) died Sunday, March 5th, 2017. After a difficult three week battle, during which he displayed his characteristic grit, wit and sense of humor, Jim passed peacefully at home in the company of loved ones. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Elinor, his sister Ruth, and his sons and daughters - Jim, Anna, Ellen, Robert, Erik, Glen, and Eric. He also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and close friends. Born in 1930, Jim Lacy's character was forged during the Great Depression and the Second World War. This instilled in him the conservative ideals of thrift, hard work, duty, and self reliance which he espoused throughout his life. Upon graduation from the ROTC program at the University of Southern California in 1951, Jim began a distinguished 30 year career as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy, eventually rising to the rank of Captain. He was a veteran of two hot wars (Korea and Vietnam) and one long, cold one. His many awards include The Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star. His time at sea, in command of ships and sailors, was probably the highlight of his life. He was, by all accounts, a "damn good Skipper". After retiring from the Navy in 1981, Captain Lacy began a second career with the Marin County Assessors Office. He started at an entry level position (Appraiser I), and, showing his customary ability to excel, earned the position of Deputy Assessor during the tenure of his good friend Jim Dal Bon. He retired from civil service in 1997. James E. Lacy was a genuinely good man, dedicated always to family and philanthropy. He led a full, productive, and fascinating life. Anyone fortunate enough to spend time with him is better for the experience. Per his request, no local services will be held. He would prefer that people hoist a glass, light a cigar, and remember him fondly. He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, as his service to this country merits. May he enjoy fair winds and following seas henceforth. He will be truly missed. HectorDeparting

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Published by Marin Independent Journal on Mar. 26, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for James Lacy

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8 Entries

Jim Cope

July 14, 2023

The Cap was a great guy
I was an HT on the Hector from 77 to 79. Talked with him a few times
Never at mast. But always heard he was fair. Remember his advice when we went to the P.I. .was true but funny. If you've been there then you understand back then. God bless you Sir. Wind in your sails and Godspeed. Petty officer Jim Cope

Dan Briggs

March 20, 2023

Berthed in Yokosuka Japan, AR-7, we (the ship's divers) were asked to test the ship's after-hours security team(s). Pacicca and I donned our irreverent military gear (Aussie and camo hat, UDT shorts, blue shirt, belt with diver's knife, choral booties and camo'd face) and boarded the ship from the harbor. After taking the QM's room, Radio (bad news) and a couple of other quazi-sensitive locations hoping to initiate security force counter measures but with no security forces finding us, we worked our way into Capt Lacy's stateroom to "take the Captain"---still with no resistance. Upon seeing two of his motley divers enter his hallowed space he laughed, invited (voluntold) us to sit down and asked us about our "intrusion". After telling him of the spaces we worked our way in to (some of which we shouldn't have been able to access) and of having no resistance (even though we mentioned to several sailors to call the Quarterdeck and report that they had been taken) he asked us how we got aboard. We told him we came from the sea, up the ladder welded to the stern of the ship (placed there during construction so boat crews could access boats boomed out while at anchor I'm told), up the port side, outside the rails to the next deck then on to our shenanigans. (We actually had to come out of the shadows to grab a shipmate and have him report to the quarterdeck to let them know two ner-do-wells had infiltrated the ship and they needed to call "Security Alert"). The next day the ladder was removed from the ship by the HTs. Hmmm...I wonder who corrected that security breach mechanism? Miss you Captain. Great Officer, Great Sailor, Great for our Nation.

David Maihofer

March 20, 2021

God Bless you Captain.

David Maihofer

July 16, 2020

Thank you for being our Captain on the USS Hector AR-7.

David Maihofer

July 16, 2020

Thank you for being our Captain on the USS Hector AR-7.

Dan Briggs

September 11, 2018

I remember the skipper meeting with the various ranks on the mess decks. He was Fielding questions from E5's. One question for Captain Lacey that always stuck in my mind was something like "What do we do with the recalcitrant sailor who is a discipline problem and he just won't do what he's required to do?" Captain Lacey, drawing a drag on his cigarette while looking thoughtfully across the room, slowly and deliberately responded "In my day.. we had the bosun Locker... next question" I sure enjoyed that Skipper.

July 12, 2017

Dear Lacy Family,
Capt. Lacy was the (Old Man) when I was stationed aboard the USS Stoddard DD 566. I remember Capt. Lacy as being a fair, down to earth, not to full of himself, upbeat person. I never knew the Capt. personally other than a good morning or other greetings. I worked below deck, so I never had the contact with him that others had. But I heard all the stories. While we were off the coast of Viet Nam (1968-1969) it got very hot. The guys manning the Swift Boats or River Boats in the area, would come along side us and ask for ice. Not one Boat was turned down. This may seem a small gesture to some people, but it was a big deal to the Sailors on those little boats. It also gained the respect of the crew on the Stoddard. I never had to go to Captains Mast, But friends of mine that did told me that Capt. Lacy was more than fair. If the offense was minor, A stern talking to was all that was needed. Lastly, When we came home from Viet Nam and were nearing San Diego our Chief Bosens Mate wanted to stop and paint the hull of the ship. The idea was to look good when pulling into San Diego. According to the guys on the bridge Capt. lacys answer was "NO WE HAVE BEEN TO WAR, I WANT TO LOOK LIKE WE'VE BEEN TO WAR".
Any way, I wanted you to know that Captain Lacy was well respected, and it was an honor to serve under him!
Yours,
Terry Borton BT3

May 18, 2017

MR1 at the time, one of the greatest CO's I've ever had the pleasure of serving under. RIP Jim.

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