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BORN
1952
DIED
2015
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Jim Vieira Obituary
MAY 13, 1952 - MAY 25, 2015
Major Jim Vieira, United States Marine Corps Retired, passed into God's hands on May 25, 2015 in Merced, California at the age of 63. A current resident of Twain Harte, California, who, subsequent to retirement, had previously lived in Livingston, California for many years.
Jim was the second child of Robert (Bobby) and Virginia Vieira, born in Oakland, California on May 13, 1952. Jim attended and graduated from St. Joseph's Grammar and High School in Alameda, California and St. Martin's College in Olympia, Washington with a BA Degree in Community Services. Upon graduation, he entered into the United States Marine Corps where he received aviation training both in the United States and at bases around the world. Eventually he became a Flight Instructor and a Pilot in Command training other officers to protect and defend our country, at one point in his career, he was very proud to be an alternate for the Blue Angels (The United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron). He was the Special Assistant to the third senior executive within the Department of the Navy (Assistant Secretary of the Navy) and spent over three years as advisor/confident on all major policy issues. After 20 years of exemplary service to our country, he had earned the rank of Major and retired. Subsequent to retirement from the military, Jim worked for many years for the J.R. Simplot Company and the California Chemical Transport Company in Lathrop, California.
As a result of his tours and positions he held within the military, Jim belonged to many military related organizations including the Winton VFW. He was also a member of a Harley Motorcycle Club that did charitable acts to benefit the community.
His hobbies included riding his Harley motorcycle with his friends, working on old cars, fishing, golfing and tinkering around his home.
Jim is survived by his daughter; Jennifer Martinez (Joe) and son Steven Craig (Liz), his mother Virginia Vieira and his sister Karen Davey (Gary Southerland), his grandchildren; Savannah Lagnese, James and Aidan Martinez and Lleyton and Anna Craig. His nieces Krista Stokes (Earl) and Kelli DeStasio (AJ) and nephews; Robert (Jennifer) and Joseph Davey, and many other relatives and close friends who will miss him dearly. He is preceded in death by his father; Robert J. (Bobby) Vieira and his grandparents; Charles and Flora Vieira.
Visitation will be from 4-8PM with Rosary at 6 PM on June 3, 2015 at Wilson Family Funeral Chapel, 1290 Winton Way, Atwater. The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on June 4, 2015 at 10 AM St. Anthony Catholic Church, 1801 Winton Way, Atwater with burial to follow at Winton District Cemetery in Winton, CA.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jim Vieira
Mike Sutton ( former Lcdr, USN)
August 23, 2023
Jim, I flew 3 flights with you in VT-10 back in February 1984. You were checking me out as an Instructor in the NFO program. Introduced me to the Squirrel Cage. A fellow pilot and Instructor from back then just found out of your passing and sent the sad news. You were always professional but made the squadron a good place to be with your sense of humor and presence. My condolences to your family. God Bless...
Twain Harte, Ca
June 12, 2015
Red Feather, Oregon
Linda Jennings
June 12, 2015
Boney
June 7, 2015
So sorry to hear the news. My prayers are with the family. Rest in peace, Sneaky Pete.
Dawn Vickery
June 7, 2015
Still can't believe you're gone. Never again will I hear Officer O'Malley inviting me to have a drink and get into a little trouble. I will miss kissing the cook. Fair winds and following seas.
Scott Maslen
June 6, 2015
Gunna miss you Sneaky, was always great catching up at the Intruder Reunions.
My deepest condolences to the family and Linda.
June 2, 2015
Sneaky Pete - Miss you buddy - Rest in peace. Marty
Ron Portal
June 2, 2015
Hard to believe Jim has passed away. He hired me at Chemical Transfer in 2006. He saw my Marine Corps belt buckle, found out I was a VietNam vet and son of a retired MasterGunny and WW2, Korean War vet and hired me on the spot without asking any questions on my capabilities or lack thereof. I was a Marine and that's all that mattered to him. Over the years he took care of me like I was family. My wife and I spent time at his place in Twain Harte with him and Linda and he also went out of his way to be at my surprise 65th birthday giving me a walker as a present. They were good times. I called him many things. Pilgrim, Obiwan con Jim, Master, little ranger, little buddy, and kid but most of all he was my friend and the best boss I ever had in my 67 years. There is much more to his obituary. I told him he should write a book about his life but he never did. He had quite a life and he made a difference. I will see you again on the other side, my friend. My deepest condolences to his family and for Linda in losing such a good man. God bless.
Steven Cosio
June 2, 2015
It was a pleasure knowing and working with Jim, he will certainly be missed. Cheers, my friend.
George Van Tine
June 2, 2015
Pete,
Thanks for the education. I miss those times flying around the PI with you. Fair Winds and following seas.
Semper Fi,
Dutch
John Scott
June 2, 2015
Pete,
Thank you for taking me under your wing when I first joined the "Hawks" as a nugget. You always had my "Six." Your cool, calm and collective manner was an inspiration that has stayed with me as I continue to fly into harm's way today. I am very thankful for our conversation back in 2008. It was a pleasure and a privilege to be your wingman. I will miss you amigo.
Semper Fi,
Pagan
Squadron Plaque in the Ready Room at PCola
John Blum
June 1, 2015
Jim was a great pilot in one of the greatest Marine Attack Squadrons in history. In the squadron song,...the words "We must be a helluva team"...describe Jim. He took care of you like you were his brother...be it in the air, in the Ready Room, or on liberty. A gentleman in every sense of the word...Those times have passed, but they will never be forgotten. A toast to you Jim, as we celebrate your life.
SF Buddy,
Blackjack
Intruder San Diego Reunion
Linda Jennings
June 1, 2015
Joe "Too Tall" Gibaldi
June 1, 2015
My sincerest condolences to the Vieira family. I had the pleasure of knowing Sneaky Pete for a few years as instructors together at VT-10. I appreciated his seasoned guidance and assistance as i was just starting my pilot career. I am glad to have been squadron-mates with him. Rest in Peace.
Barbara Billings
June 1, 2015
Deepest sympathies to the Vieira family. Jim will be missed by many. He was a good friend and a great co-worker. When you talked to him every day, as I did, you became friends almost immediately. He handled his job with great expertise and attention to detail. His kindness and sense of humor was alway evident. I, personally, will miss him a great deal.
Ali Brown
June 1, 2015
I only knew Jim through phone conversations at work, but he always had some great stories to tell. He led such a full and interesting life and will always have my respect as a great man to work with. Thank you, Jim, and may you rest in peace.
Andrea Serna
June 1, 2015
May our Lord bless and comfort Jim's family during this time of grief. Please accept my sincere condolences. Rest in peace Jim. God Bless.
Shona Shows
June 1, 2015
Rest in peace, Jim.
Debbie Brintz
June 1, 2015
Still hard to believe I won't be seeing you in the office again. Thank you for all you taught me!! My prayers go out to all who loved you as you soar peacefully above us.
Joel Clifton
June 1, 2015
Prayers and condolences to your family. Thank you for your service.
Semper Fi, brother and fellow Hawk.
Charlie Carr
June 1, 2015
A good man and Marine gone too soon. Will be missed. Vulture
Bo Boswell
June 1, 2015
"Sneaky Pete" - Good Marine, good father, good friend. He will be missed!
June 1, 2015
Jim was one of my favorite pilots to fly with. When I was first assigned to 533 he was one of several pilots who took the time to teach me what a being a good BN was all about. I was glad I had the opportunity to see him again at the San Diego reunion in 2008. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.
Semper FI,
Kevin "Waldo" Walsh and Mary Jane Walsh
AJ Glaser, 1stSGT. USMC(RET.)
June 1, 2015
Prayers and condolences for Jim and his family. Gone to soon.
Larry and Karen Astyk
June 1, 2015
Prayers for Jim and the Vieira Family. May your Faith along with the love and support you have from each other and friends, guide you through this difficult time.
CDR Randy Laws, USN (Ret.)
June 1, 2015
A good man and a good friend. Very sorry to hear the news. I'll always remember Pete as being the guy who would go out of his way to help you when you needed it. Semper Fi.
533 transpac - refueling
Rhett Buck
May 31, 2015
So sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He was a great fellow, and I remember some wonderful adventures with him flying low level flights all over the country! I recall when he was first assigned to the 533 squadron, we went out one Saturday morning in his old Ford Bronco to hunt dove - I wondered why such a small guy drove such a big vehicle, but he handled it off road like a pro! We had a great time, and shot one bird - a whippoorwill we both shot at the same time, which we accidentally mistook for a quail!
May 31, 2015
My prayers and sympathies go to your family - never easy doing this. May you rest in his peace.
Case
Cdr. John R. Casey Jr., USNR Ret.
John & Wanda Azevedo
May 31, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to Jim's family and friends.
Robert Braithwaite
May 31, 2015
Very sorry to see this news. My sympathies to Linda and all his family. Pete, hope you are in a better place "fixing" things like you did so many times for the Moonlighters. SF/BUZZARD
Lt.Col. Daniel J. Kernen , USMC, (Ret)
May 31, 2015
Pete,
It was a great ride. The Hawks of 533 will miss you.
Semper Fi,
Wombat
Wayne Lehman
May 31, 2015
The loss of a friend is never easy for anyone but you're now reunited with your Dad and Brother-in-Law so are in good hands. Until we meet again.
May 31, 2015
Pete,
It was an honor to know you and to fly with you around the world. We had some great times and I will not forget them. You were a great stick and a great friend. As they say, "Fair Winds and Following Seas".
Space
Joe Mobley
May 30, 2015
Adios amigo !
Joe Mobley - San Felipe, Baja Mexico
May 30, 2015
RIP Pete,
Semper Fi
V/R,
Doc
Rsndy Little
May 30, 2015
Until we meet again, thank you for all you have done
Jim Vieria & Linda Jennings
May 30, 2015
To My Beloved, I will miss your smiling face, your tenderness,
and all the great times we had in our 5 1/2 year relationship.
Love, Prayers & Memories. My sons and your adopted granddaughters Lilly & Morgan will forever miss you!
Rest in Peace with the Lord, you are now pain free!
Loving you always....
Linda Jennings
Blue Angels
May 30, 2015
May 30, 2015
EGA
R.R. Villegas, Jr. Sgt. USMC/Veteran
May 30, 2015
Thank you for your service Marine. Semper Fi.
Merced, California
May 30, 2015
VFW 7792 Winton Post
May 30, 2015
VFW 7792 Winton Post
May 30, 2015
Final Salute
May 30, 2015
Honor
May 30, 2015
USMC
May 30, 2015
USA
May 30, 2015
(MCCV) MARINES: Central California Veterans
MARINES: Central California Veterans
May 30, 2015
Thank you for your service Marine, God Speed. Semper Fi.
The Staff of Wilson Family Chapel
May 31, 2015
The Staff and Wilson Family Chapel wishes to extend their sympathy and their assistance for this time of need.
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