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James Kaigler Obituary
Jim joined the U.S. Army July of 1950 and proudly served for 26 years. He was awarded the following medals and commendations: National Defense Service Medal (1st OLC), Good Conduct Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Vietnam Service Medal (w/8cc), Air Medal with Valor Device (5th Awd), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal (1st OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1st OLC), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Meritorious Service Medal, and 4 O/S Service Bars.
He graduated from military Flight School in 1958 and served overseas in Korea, Germany and 2 combat tours in Vietnam. He was designated as Senior Army Aviator, maintenance test pilot and flight instructor. Once he retired from the military he was a long standing member of American Legion Post 184 in Thunderbolt, Georgia, as well as owning and operating several businesses including an accounting and tax business for 20 years.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Betty Jean Kaigler, two daughters, Nancy Hankinson and Cynthia Dianne (Steve) Belcher; two sons, Jesse (Laura) McTaggart, and James (Elizabeth) Kaigler II; grandchildren, Stephanie Godbee, Ross Mann, Danielle (Dusty) Bonner, Catie (Andy) Raaker, Kaigler Mann, Erick Mann (Brandy), Taylor Stewart, Victoria Stewart, and Noble (Emily) Beckwith; great-grandchildren, Ashley and Kimberly Schwartz, Cole and Brooke Godbee, Olivia and Callie Raaker, Ellie and Lily Mann, Colton, Dustin and Christian Bonner and Alexander Mann. He is also survived by brother John Kaigler and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents John G. and Clara West Kaigler; daughter, Brenda Jean Beckwith as well as two brothers and four sisters.
Jim will be fondly remembered by many for his bluegrass fiddle playing. He enjoyed playing in church and entertaining residents of many nursing homes in our area.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 19, 2024 at Baker McCullough Funeral Home, 7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, Georgia 31406. A memorial service will begin directly after and begin at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation as a way to honor Jim’s memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31406
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