James Ellsworth Eyer

On Monday, the second of May, 2016, Captain James Ellsworth Eyer died at the age of 83. Born in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, on 18 August 1932, to Jacob Stewart – a Soldier of the Great War – and the former Mabel Trine, Jimmy graduated from Nazareth High School in 1950. While there, he played all sports and was the first captain of the now famous Nazareth High School Wrestling Team.

After a brief series of jobs including lumberjack and employee at the Essroc Cement Plant, he joined the Army, arriving in Korea with the 101st Airborne Division in 1954.

Upon his return, he attended Moravian College, where he met his soon-to-be wife of 58 years, Joan Maria Theresa Konrad. After graduation and marriage, he was commissioned as a naval officer (it would have been the army but for the fact that the recruiting office was closed that day).

Commissioned as an ensign in 1959, he went on to serve in a long series of warships, throughout the Cold War and Vietnam, including USS McMorris, USS Forrest Sherman, USS Bronstein and USS Richard E Byrd. His career as a Surface Warfare Officer culminated in Command of USS Aylwin (FF 1081) after which he was promoted to the rank of Captain. He retired from the Navy in 1990.

A scholar who attained a master’s degree from the Naval War College – George Washington University. He was well read and an admirable historian, specializing in the European migration history of Nazareth, Pennsylvania. He also became a Senior Olympian representing the state of Maryland in javelin, at the national-level, for a number of during the first decade of this century.

Jim led a charmed life, succeeding richly, travelling the world and watching his family grow and flourish. Still, though he left home, at a young age, he never really left Nazareth in his heart. He was loved and admired by all who knew him, for his sense of humor and above all, his humanity.

Captain Eyer leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Joan Konrad of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania , 5 children; Erica, Shanna, Keith, Kevin and Matthew, and 12 grandchildren, all of whom are confident that they will meet him in a better place.

The all services will take place at Arlington National Cemetery, currently anticipated for August 2016.

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