James Edward Bertsch

Mr. Bertsch loved to work and was dedicated to 3 separate careers. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years, retiring in April 1973 as a Technical Sergeant. He went on to work for the Department of Defense, and later the Department of Veteran's Affairs Medical Center of West Palm Beach, Florida before eventually retiring.

Occasionally, he would carve out time to play a round of golf, bird watch or watch The Walton's. He was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene of West Palm Beach, FL, sisters, Pat Camus of West Palm Beach, FL, Jane Bertsch of Grosse Point, MI and Johnnie Kay Hood, Franklin, TN; his sons; Tim Bertsch (Melanie) of Metcalfe, GA, Tony Bertsch of Ochlocknee, GA, and Tracy Bertsch of Ochlocknee, GA; daughter Terri Cooley (Doug) of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, Lauren Cooley, Nathaniel Cooley, Brittni (Gerald) Pannell, Sam Ayers, David Ayers, Caleb Bertsch and Jeff Likins; great-grandchildren, Bryson Pannell, SaraKate Pannell, Eason Pannell, and Marley Bertsch. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Carolyn Bertsch, mother of his children.

While we mourn his death here on earth, we celebrate his arrival in Heaven with his Heavenly Father.

Mr. Bertsch will be buried at Jacksonville National Cemetery on Friday, March 5 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his honor to Celebration Lutheran Church, 810 Roberts Road, Jacksonville, FL 32259.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL (904) 288-0025.