Obituary of James Laccinole

James (Jimmy) Laccinole James Laccinole departed the earth on Sunday, February 28, 2016, when he died in Vancouver, Washington after a brief illness. He was 91 and was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was born at home in Harmony Point, Oregon as the 9th of 11 children in an Italian immigrant family. Only the youngest sister, Sandrene still survives. He lived all of his non-military life in the Pacific Northwest, finally settling in Sequim, Washington in 1978. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Florence, and his three children, Stephen Laccinole, Seattle, Christine James, Vancouver, and Paula Laccinole, Sequim. He had 4 grandsons, and 16 great grandchildren. He was a member of the “greatest generation”, having served in the famed 29th Infantry Division. His platoon went ashore on Omaha Beach at 7:15 on the morning of June 6th to help launch the invasion of Europe. He was severely wounded by a sniper in Brest, France in September, 1944 and was transferred to England for medical care but returned to the fight during the Battle of the Bulge. He was highly decorated subsequently, notably receiving the Bronze Star with “V” device to accompany his Purple Heart along with many other medals. He returned to the US in September, 1945 where he took up civilian life as a lumberjack, working in the woods of Oregon. He joined the military again after the US Air Force was created in 1947, re-entering in 1953. His duty assignments included serving as an Air Policeman on Okinawa and with the Strategic Air Command in Idaho as well as setting up perimeter and flight line security at DaNang Air Base in Viet Nam in 1964. He retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant in 1969. After returning a second time to life as a civilian, he took up landscape contracting in Portland, Oregon. He and his wife and daughter Paula then moved to Sequim where he became the “little Italian landscaper” for the Sunland retirement community. He finally “retired” as a gentleman farmer and licensed trapper for the State of Washington. He loved the Lord, his wife and family, his country and his garden. He was a great story-teller and took delight in telling stories to his children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren. He raised pigs, sheep, an occasional cow, turkeys and chickens. His favorites were the chickens, with all his progeny taking delight in hunting for eggs whenever visiting. One of America’s great heroes, he was a man that set a wonderful example of qualities to be passed on to the next generations. He was loved by many, admired by more and respected by all. He will be missed by all who were blessed to have known him. Services will be held at Willamette National Cemetery in Happy Valley, Oregon at noon on March 9. The family asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts, a donation be made in Jimmy’s name to the Sequim posts of the VFW or American Legion. Military Honors Service - Willamette National Cemetery - 11800 NE Mt Scott Blvd, Happy Valley, Oregon Meet at 12:00pm at the administration building office (Gate 1 into the cemetery after exiting off of Foster Road) Attendees will then line up to wait for funeral coach arrival and then drive in line behind the coach to a Committal Shelter. 12:30 PM Sharp - Services will begin After Military Honors Service is complete: Steve Laccinole (son) will deliver short military eulogy followed by Pam Kelsay (niece) who will deliver a Commitment Prayer. 1:00 PM Sharp - Services will be concluded. There will be a food and memory reception from 1:30-4pm immediately after the Services at: Garden Grove Community of Christ Church 4805 NE 15th Avenue Vancouver, Washington 98663 Additional comments will be provided at the reception by Matt Laccinole and Tony Carlston (grandsons). Others will be invited to share as desired. Immediate family invited to the home of Chris James after the reception.