James Joseph Satterwhite

James Joseph “Jim” Satterwhite, 85, of Madison, died peacefully at Yale-New Haven Hospital on Monday, August 1st, 2022, surrounded by his wife and children. Jim battled cancer for over twenty years but continued to lead a full life traveling the world with his wife of 63 years, Nancy (Oswald) Satterwhite, staying active with his family and friends, and volunteering in the Madison community, while quietly fighting his illness.

Jim grew up with his sister, Kay, in Sedalia, Missouri, where he met and began dating Nancy. Jim excelled at anything he put his mind to and graduated valedictorian of his class at Smith-Cotton High School. He was offered an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in June 1959 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, eighth in his class of 499 cadets. After graduation, he and Nancy married in Sedalia.

He attended the Army flight school and then was given a coveted assignment to Oahu, Hawaii, where he and Nancy lived for three years and had their two children, James “Michael” Satterwhite and Dana Kay (Satterwhite) Bittner.

While in the Army, he received his Master’s in Aeronautics and Astronautics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an MBA from Auburn University. His flight and academic skills led him to the US Naval Test Pilot School, where he graduated first in his class, giving the Army bragging rights over the Navy and Air Force students in his class. As a test pilot in the Army, he flew both airplanes and helicopters and worked for NASA at the Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, California. He taught engineering at West Point for 2.5 years, worked at the Pentagon for 5 years, and served 2 year-long tours in Vietnam. He retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after 21 years of service.

After retiring from the Army, Jim worked at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Connecticut, where he moved through several positions including Program Manager, VP of Manufacturing, VP of Engineering, VP of International Business, and VP of US Government and International Business. He retired from Sikorsky Aircraft in March 2002 after 22 years.

Prior to and post-retirement, Jim served on the Advisory Board of the Engineering School at Fairfield University. In 1995, he was named a Fellow of the American Helicopter Society. Locally, Jim was a Commissioner on the Town of Madison Economic Development Commission and Treasurer of the First Congregational Church of Madison. Jim was also very active in the Rotary Club of Madison and served as president from 2007-2008 and in other positions of responsibility within Rotary’s Southern Connecticut District. He enjoyed his membership in the Rotary Club until he passed.

In addition to Nancy, Jim is survived by son, J. Michael Satterwhite (Julie) of Bethany, daughter, Dana Bittner (Ed) of Madison, sister, Kay (Satterwhite) Thomson, of Kansas City, MO; nephew W. Doug Thomson (Annette) of Kansas City, MO, niece Jennifer Thomson Strueby (Dave) of Maryville, MO; six grand-children Jillian (Bittner) Huberty (Aaron) of Madison, Stephanie (Bittner) Walker (Blake) of Guilford, David Satterwhite (Laura Kinter) of Chicago, Lee Satterwhite of Chicago, Daniel Bittner (Carolyn) of West Haven, and Christine Bittner of Branford; five step-grand-children Patrick Amarante (Lily) of Milford, Rachel Amarante of Naugatuck, Joseph Amarante (Alicia Avino) of Hamden, Philip Amarante (Sara) of Hopewell, NJ, and Timothy Amarante of Fairfield; and nine great-grandchildren, Samantha Gentile (10), Dominic Huberty (9), Gianna Huberty (8), Hugo Walker (7), Zachariah Bittner (4), Eliza Huberty (4), Maisie Walker (4), James “Jack” Huberty (2), and Esme Walker (born June, 2022).. plus two more great grandchildren due this fall!

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 20th, 2022 in Madison First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 meeting House Lane, Madison. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Smilow Cancer Hospital, “Closer to Free” fund, 35 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06511