In Memory

James Czekanski

James Czekanski

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James Philip Czekanski

July 12, 1946 - December 14, 2012

Major General James P. Czekanski, United States Air Force Reserve (ret), age 66, passed away in Shalimar, FL on Friday, December 14, 2012, with his family at his side. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, he was born in Fall River, MA to Edwin and Arlene Czekanski. Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan; his two daughters; Tasha, her husband, John and their two sons, Chris and Reis; Cara and her husband, Harry and their son, Roman. He is also survived by his younger brother, Donald.

Jim received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from the University of Massachusetts. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Counseling and Human Devolopment from Troy State University. He was commissioned through the ROTC program at the University of Massachusetts and is a graduate of Squadron Officers School and completed Air War College. He attended undergraduated pilot training at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona. He has more that 250 hours on 55 combat missions in the AC-130A in Southeast Asia. He also accumulated more than 7,500 flying hours in the C-5A, C-141B, C-130A/B/E/H/J, AC-130A, HC-130H/N/P, KC-135R, C17A, and HH-3. He has commanded a numbered Air Force, two airlift wings, a tactical airlift group and a rescue and recovery squadron. He was the Commander of the Air Force Reserve's Fourth Air Force, an Air Reserve Technician and member of the Senior Executive Service. General Czekanski retired as Director, Reserve Component Directorate (J9), and Officer-in-Charge, Joint Transportation Reserve Unit (JTRU), United States Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois in January, 2006.

Jim's awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf clustere, Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Madal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Recognition Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal with two service stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Madal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Madal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Saudi Arabia), and the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait).

Jim was married to our classmate Susan Reis