James Patrick Casey

James Patrick Casey, Sr. (Jim) died on Monday Nov. 19, 2018 in Punta Gorda Florida. To those who knew him well he is "On the road again". He leaves behind his loving wife of over 66 years Lorraine Grace Casey. He also leaves behind his son Jim Jr., daughters Luann & Susan and their spouses, Denise, Gary and Henry, his siblings Delores (Susie), Tom, also his half siblings Joyce, Larry, Duane, Dennis, Bruce, Shane, seven grandkids and three great grandkids. He was preceded in death by his son John. Jim was born and raised in Omaha NE and will be remembered for his adventurous spirit. Racing stock cars as a teen led to an unending love of venturesome hobbies including scuba diving, surfing, sailing, flying and of course motorcycles. His adventures could fill a book from getting blown off course sailing back from Hawaii, to crashing a plane in the Everglades (he was the co-pilot at age 79 and the pilot was 82). Amazingly they both walked away from the Cessna! Over the years he did several road trips on his motorcycle, looking up old Navy buddies and making friends along the way. He had a love for animals and his dogs and birds were constant companions. Jim retired from 32 years in the US Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPO). Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) is the ninth, and highest, enlisted rate (pay grade E-9) in the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard, just above Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO). He was appointed by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) to serve as a spokesperson to address the issues of enlisted personnel to the highest positions in the Navy. At his military retirement he was recognized for having the most flight hours of anyone in the US Navy. His business card read: You have never lived until you almost died And for those who fight for it Life has a flavor the protected will never know. Jim Casey US Navy