James Langston Etling, Sr. of Arnold, Missouri passed away on Friday, June 26, 2020 at the age of 85. Beloved husband for 66 years of the late Janice L. Etling (nee Jones). Loving father of Geneva (Timothy) Neis, Kevin Etling, Renee (Mark) Birmingham, Cheryl Etling, Connie (John) Stout, Christopher (JoAnn) Etling, David Etling and the late James Etling, Jr. Cherished grandfather of 15 and great grandfather of 21. Dear son of the late Frederick and Pearl Etling (nee Goode). Preceded in death by 1 brother, 1 sister and 1 brother-in-law. Our dear brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle and friend to many.
James served our country in the US Navy on the USS Atka. During his service time, he was awarded the National Defense Medal. The U.S. Navy Antarctic Expedition of 1954–55 constituted the first phase of a planned three-year program that would lay the groundwork for American participation in the International Geophysical Year (IGY), which was to be a worldwide collaborative international effort to conduct scientific observations and research in the earth sciences, scheduled for 1957–58. Atka’s primary mission would be to evaluate the potential reuse possibilities of the existing Little America base camps and to scout out potential locations for new scientific stations on the frozen continent. The ship would also establish ground control points to help with mapping and collect geological samples and weather and oceanographic data.
On December 1, 1954, famed Antarctic explorer Rear Adm. Richard E. Byrd, USN (Ret.) representing the Secretary of the Navy, participated in departure ceremonies for Atka, telling the ship’s crew and scientific observers that they were about to embark upon a “spectacular undertaking” that would classify them as polar explorers. “The grand old man of the Antarctic” also read a message from the Secretary of the Navy Charles S. Thomas. Less than two hours later, Atka stood out for Balboa, Canal Zone, to begin the first leg of the expedition.
Visitation to be held at Hoffmeister South County Chapel, 1515 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, Missouri on Friday, July 10, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:45 p.m. Inurnment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital Neonatal Unit appreciated. Condolences may be offered at www.hoffmeistersouthcounty.com
