Friday ObitsCoyote |
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Master and Commander Posts: 1208 Location: NE Florida | Subject: Friday Obits https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=eternal%20patrol%20by%20ussvi The above link goes to the USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.) Facebook page where their members who have gone on “Eternal Patrol” are noted. I’ll keep my work here going, trying to get others who were not USSVI members. You’re encouraged to look there as well as here! Obviously, there’ll be some I miss and some I duplicate. BESSE .. .. .. On April 28th, 2025, we lost an absolutely amazing man who was a role model to everyone who knew him, James Jay Besse ("Jim"). He was born in Spokane's Vinegar Flats to Jack and Joyce Besse in 1941. In his 20s, Jim moved to Boston and was on crew on one of the first ballistic missile Nuclear submarines in the US, the USS Abraham Lincoln. At 25 he was in a tragic accident where he would be a paraplegic for the remainder of his life, after just having a new baby girl, Jacqueline, with his then-wife, June Besse (Donabedian). However, in being determined to rise above his disability...he left a long list of accomplishments, including: -Being elected to the Governor's Committee for the Handicapped. He was on the Washington State Code Council, which helped set the foundations for the future ADA. One of the many projects was to put curb ramps in Spokane for the disabled. Jim, a shy man, spoke in Washington DC on behalf of the Council. -A year after his accident, he pursued his college career, starting with classes at MIT and Boston U. He ultimately moved back to Spokane with his family, where he received his BA degree from Whitworth University in Business Administration. -Hired for the Expo '74 Management Group as one of the first hires, youngest hires, and one of the last to leave. -Also, in the 70's opened a (then new concept) firm to sell wind power turbines to produce electricity, which you can now see nationwide. -Owned a General contracting business designing custom homes in Spokane, including one of the first underground homes built locally. -He ended his career in Computer tech/building work order systems for Eastern Washington University, where he worked for 27 years. -In addition to the above, he had a zest for life with his gourmet cooking, the next travel adventure, trap shooting, wheelchair basketball and a good game of pool with a beer. In 1997, Jim met the love of his life, Anne Hamilton Besse. They had an extraordinary 26 years together, sharing all kinds of adventures which included long road trips, cruising, flying to major US cities where they would use public transit - all wheelchair accessible- from buses to light rail to get around. Theirs was a very special relationship - not without some challenges, but one that brought amazing joy to both. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and lovely sister Joy. Jim is survived by his dedicated wife and partner Anne Besse, his daughter Jacqueline Besse (her finance Jeff Harter) and his son John Sweet (wife Meredith), as well as his supportive bonus children Carrie Vielle (husband Bob Krikac), Matt Vielle (wife Kim Vielle), and bonus Grandson Emerson Elliott (wife Kimberly). The family wishes to thank all our friends for their caring support during this time as well as Generations Home Healthcare and its Certified Nursing Professionals (Cheryl, Jeanne, Brianna, Mercy, Adrian, Zella and Ana) who supported Jim with respect and caring that allowed him to stay in his home in his final years. A special thanks to our dear friend Joe. And a thank you to Centerwell Health (Darcy and Chris). Also, Sharon Corrao, who supported Jim throughout the years as his wonderful Case Manager at Liberty Mutual, and Neptune Society for making this difficult process easier. Finally, the Physicians at MultiCare for their kind support, as well as the concerned care shown to us by the medical staff at Deaconess ER. On the 11th floor, the family was blessed to have Dr. "E" and especially Nurse Justin, to walk us through detailed steps in caring for Jim as he was about to take his last breath surrounded by his loving family. We would like to note that we know these folks have such a difficult job in dealing with death on a daily basis...however, never at any point felt Jim was 'just another patient.' We were so blessed to watch him go in such a peaceful manner with their support. In closing, we want to mention that Jim's memory and legacy have and will impact his family and the lives of others forever. Jim requested no service to be held. Jim would want you to remember him as someone who did not let his physical disabilities get in the way of leading a full life - he would want you all to have as full a life as possible and not let obstacles get in your way. STEPHENS .. .. .. James (Jim) Riley Stephens, age 71, of Russellville, died Monday, April 28, 2025, at Dardanelle Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was born August 25, 1953, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Cornelius Riley Stephens Jr. and Grace Mozelle Glover Stephens. Jim graduated from Greenbrier High school in 1971 and continued on to Arkansas Tech University pursuing a degree in business agriculture. Jim joined the United States Navy in 1976 and served honorably as a storekeeper until 1980. Jim qualified on three separate submarines: the U.S.S. Tunny, the U.S.S. Grayling and the U.S.S. Tinosa. Jim worked as a U.P.S. driver for over twenty-five years. Jim was a member of Crow Mountain Baptist Church, serving in the role of deacon for over twenty years. Jim especially loved cooking for the church and his family. Many fond memories were made through food with friends and family over the years. Jim was a joy to be around and brightened up a room whenever he was in it. He had many people that became like family through the years that will continue to love and honor his memory. He knew and loved the Lord and was ready to enter into his inheritance in Heaven. He will be greatly missed, but only for a time because we will see him again. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two uncles and an aunt, Leroy and Martha Stephens and Bob Stephens; a cousin, Trish; his baby brother, John Stephens; and many beloved aunts, cousins and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Kaye Hendrickson Stephens; his daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth Riley Stephens and Nicholas Michael Taurone; his granddaughter, Olivia Riley Taurone; his brother, Jerry Stephens; his sister, JoAnne Stephens Beasley; and his cousin, Karen Stephens. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in the Shinn Chapel, with Deacon Josh Tankersley officiating. A private burial will be in Oakland Cemetery under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the chapel. BATUTIS .. .. .. ORANGE- Charles J. Batutis,84, of Prentiss Street, died peacefully at home early Wednesday morning, November 20, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. Born in Athol on January 13, 1940, he was the son of the late John V. and Antena (Baublis) Batutis and graduated from Athol High School. On February 27, 1957, Charles enlisted into the United States Navy where he worked on submarine engines and was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Tench. He was honorably discharged on January 9, 1961. In 1960, Charles married Priscilla (Pratt) and enjoyed 63 years together before her death on June 13, 2023. Charles had worked at General Electric in Fitchburg before retiring and had previously worked at Harrington Manufacturing in Gardner. An avid golfer, Charles had also enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a member of the Gardner Municipal Golf Course, a member of the Shriner’s as well as a Mason. Survivors include a son, Michael Batutis of Orange; a daughter, Charlene Allen of Ocean Isle, NC; grandchildren, Bryan Warner and his fiancée Brenda Barbieri of Orange, Katelyn Cullen and her husband Brody of Athol, and Nicholas Batutis and his wife Stephanie of North Carolina; eight grandchildren; a brother John Batutis and his wife Judy of Vermont; a sister Maryann Dodge of Florida; and several nephews and nieces. There are no calling hours. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and time to be announced. GRECCO .. .. .. Daniel Grecco Sr. of Pine Bush, NY, entered into rest on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born on November 8, 1937 in The Bronx, the son of Donato and Theresa Grecco. Daniel married Jacqueline Behrent, the daughter of George and Marguerite Behrent, on November 11, 1962 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Middletown, NY, with Pastor Robert Feist officiating. They were members of St. John's for over 50 years. Dan was predeceased by his beloved wife Jacqueline Grecco and his six siblings: Philip Grecco, Phylis Salvia, Mary Marino, Anthony Grecco, Rocco Grecco, and James Grecco. Dan wanted to be remembered for what he loved doing best and what he was most proud of: he asked us to remember him as husband, father, grandfather, son, uncle, cousin, and pal. A veteran of the U.S. Navy and Submarine Force, he worked until he couldn't. He retired after many years from IBM and Micrus, and also worked for Middletown Electric Motor Service, JCPenney, and Pine Bush Equipment. He loved caring for and spending time with his family and friends. He loved traveling to Las Vegas, keeping track of the horse races, and watching the Steelers play. He loved Sunday dinners with his family and was known for sneaking and enjoying cookies and a good key lime pie. Dan is survived by his daughters: Jean Marie Martini and her husband Jeff of Bloomingburg, and Susan Sherman and her husband, Carl of Pine Bush; his son, Daniel Grecco Jr. and his wife, Dorothy of Glen Spey; and eight grandchildren: Natalie Guido and her husband Alexander Green, Isabella Guido, Carlee Sherman, Amelia Sherman, Grace Martini, Keith Martini, and Alessandro Grecco. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m., on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 391 Mount Hope Road, Middletown, NY. The family would like to thank the staff of Valley View Nursing Home. | ||
