James D. North

Of Ashtabula, OH. Born July 29, 1922, passed away on March 19, 2011. He served in the US Army, 36th division (T patcher) for which he received the Purple Heart honor during the invasion of Salerno, Italy during WWII. By his own testimony, he was the first man on the beach at Salerno, on the 9th of September 1945. He was also a recipient of the EAME Campaign medal with one Bronze Star. Other honors included: American Defense Service Medal, American Theater Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon, one Service Stripe, and five Overseas Service Bars. Honorably Discharged on the 10th of November 1945. James subsequently enlisted in the USMC Reserve as a Corporal of the Fifth Battalion, where he served as a Drill Instructor, and received the Good Conduct Medal, and was honorably discharged on the 22nd of September 1951. He was a CB enthusiast known to his fellow CB’ers as "Sagebrush". He retired from Trailways Bus Lines (Greyhound) in 1989 after a 23 year career of being a bus driver. During this time he received an award for Two Million Miles of Safe Driving, presented by American Bus Lines. He is preceded in death by his parents Mr. James E. North and Irene Plosila-North, and is survived by his wife, Mary North and children: James A. North (Marviez) Brigitte (Ruben), Laura, Kathy, Tonie (Chuck), Margaret (Mel), Hilda (Mike), Mary Ellen, Peter, 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 24, 2011 from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Martin Funeral Home Central with the Vigil at 7:00 P.M. Funeral Service will be held Friday, March 25, 2011 at 9:00 A.M. at Martin Funeral Home Central. Interment at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery.