James Richard Slaeker

James R. Slaeker, 100, of Shoreline, Washington, passed on August 9, 2022. James was born on March 26, 1922 in the town of Elderton, PA to Kenneth and Rosanna Ruth (Hawk) Slaeker. He was born in the home of his grandfather, James Hawk, the same home in which his mother was born. He graduated from Vandergrift High School, Vandergrift, PA in 1940. At the age of 21, during WWII, he earned his wings as an Army Air Corps pilot. One year later he was selected to become a flight instructor teaching hundreds of pilots to fly a number of different types of aircraft. After the war ended, he attended the University of Washington and earned a degree in history. He reentered the Air Force to participate in the Berlin Airlift in 1948 and then served faithfully for 20 years in the United States Air Force as a Senior Command Pilot and as a Missile Combat Crew Commander. Major Slaeker retired from the Air Force in 1966. After retiring, he went back to school, earned his teaching certificate, and taught 6th grade for 12 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen M. Slaeker (Gustafson). He is survived by his 3 children: Dan Slaeker (Benita), Kent. WA, Lynne James, Mill Creek, WA, and Ted Slaeker (Jennel) Junction City, OR. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the Slaeker family.