James Charles Seidl Jr.

In memoriam… James Charles (Jim) Seidl, Jr. departed this earth on 16 June, 2019 just 4 months shy of his 100th birthday. Jim was the loyal and loving husband of Toni Seidl and the committed father of Kent, Christine, and Kathryn. He was born in Blue Island, IL, and later enlisted in the US Coast Guard. He received a direct commission while flying out of Greenland during WWII. Surviving treacherous flying conditions earned him an Air Medal for “actions against the enemy in the North Atlantic.” Choosing to remain in the Coast Guard after the war, his distinguished and decorated thirty-year career included aviation, shore, and sea-going billets. As a USCG aviator, he was rated in fixed-wing, single-and multi-engine aircraft, seaplanes, and helicopters. His duties included patrol, reconnaissance and search and rescue missions in all weather conditions. Later career highlights included operations/navigation officer on the USCGC Winona; executive/commanding officer of CG Group Charlevoix; and commanding officer of reserve training and security at Governor’s Island, NY. His assignments took him to Greenland, Washington, Massachusetts, Newfoundland, Florida, Hawaii, Michigan and New York. After retiring from the Coast Guard, Jim pursued a second career in business management, and after a successful 10 year endeavor, retired a second time to focus on his volunteer work with the civilian and veterans’ organization to which he had long belonged. He was very active in the Lions Foundation of Arizona and the Military Officers Association of America, holding several high-level positions of responsibility, to include serving as president of local chapters of both organizations. His dedication to the Lions First Sight Project was particularly noteworthy and he organized and collected thousands of pairs of used glasses which have be redistributed to the needy of the world. His other affiliations included Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, Navy League, VFW and 67 years of Elks membership. One of his proudest achievements was being inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2006. His propensity for service and civic-mindedness were the cornerstones of his life, which garnered him the Melvin Jones Award, the highest award given by Lions International. Besides the time he devoted to his charitable pursuits, he also enjoyed reading, woodworking, golf, attending the symphony and gardening. Jim was known for his quick wit and ready sense of humor. He was a master of wry retort and constantly teased all who crossed his path. He will be greatly missed by his family and countless friends. He is survived by his daughter, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Requiescat in pace. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 10:00am at Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral located at 6351 North 27th Avenue Phoenix, Arizona. Inurnment will follow at 12:30 at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona 23029 North Cave Creek Road Phoenix, Arizona. Arrangements have been entrusted to A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuary 710 W. Bethany Home Road Phoenix, Arizona. Please visit our website at www.ALMoore-Grimshaw.com to leave memories and tributes.