LtCol James Bruce Vanairsdale

LtCol James Bruce Vanairsdale, USMC (Ret.), aged 96, of St. Augustine, Florida, was a devoted husband and father. He passed away peacefully in his sleep of natural causes on March 25, 2026.

James-affectionately known as Jim-was born at the Ranger Falls Station in Idaho on June 29, 1929, to Aurora and Lester Vanairsdale. He spent his childhood in Newport, Pend Oreille, Washington, alongside his three adventurous brothers, Ted, Stan, and Hubert, and his sister, Joyce.

Jim served in honorably the US Marine Corp from 1951 to 1971. He entered service in Quantico and was soon deployed into combat as an Infantry Officer in Korea. After earning multiple medals, citations and promotions, he deployed into combat again in the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Bronze Star. He returned to the states to serve as a Staff Intelligence Officer until he retired from the Corps. By the end of his military career, Jim had spent more than 7 years abroad and at sea and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Jim also was awarded no less than a dozen medals and citations. He was proud to be a Marine.

After his military career, Jim led Data Processing operations at Gulf Life in Jacksonville and Tree of Life in St. Augustine. He went on to establish his own Data Processing Consulting company and also taught associates at H&R Block.

Jim is survived by his sons Bruce, Chris, and Jeff; two grandchildren, Erik and Jennifer; and his great-granddaughter, Hailey Malou. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Mary Claire, his mother Aurora Regina, his father Lester, his brothers Stanley, Theodor, Hubert, and his sister Joyce.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 4, at Craig Funeral Home. Viewing will begin at 11:00 AM with a service to follow at noon. Jim will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.