James Richard Liston

Nov 14, 1932 – April 13, 2015

Jim Liston passed away on Monday surrounded by his 3 surviving children after a short illness. Born in The Bronx, New York, Jim was the oldest of 5 children. Tom, Mary, Nora, Bobbi and he maintained a close relationship throughout their adult lives.

A veteran, Jim was stationed in Georgia during the Korean conflict. When he returned home he married his best friend, Marilyn Kehoe. He completed his degree in physics at Queens College and, in 1962, moved to Southern California to take a job at North American Aviation, later to become Rockwell International, where he would retire as Director of Labs and Technology. His work on the Space Shuttle program was a source of great pride and satisfaction.

Jim was a devoted husband, loving father and supportive grandfather. His first great-grandchild is due very soon and he had looked forward to becoming a great-grandfather.

Together, Jim and Marilyn enjoyed many years of world travel. Ireland was a favorite travel destination where they visited many cousins.

A highlight of the couple’s nearly 60 years of marriage was their 50th anniversary celebration. Family and friends from across the US and Ireland shared in the joyous occasion.

Jim is survived by his wife Marilyn, his children Richard, Patrice and Deirdre—his son Christopher preceded him in death—as well as his 4 siblings and his grandchildren Kenneth, Stephen, Jonathan and Michael.