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James Karl Gaiser
James Karl Gaiser, of Titusville, Fla., passed away peacefully Friday, July 15,
2011, in his own home with his loving wife, Helen, at his side.
Born November 16, 1920, in Worthington, he was the oldest son of Karl J. and
Pearl Mae (Tate) Gaiser.
He was a 1941 graduate of Worthington-West Franklin High School, Worthington,
Pa.
He immediately enlisted in the Air Force. During World War II, as a member of
the 47th Bomb Group, he saw action in North Africa, Malta, Sicily, Italy and the
South of France. In 1958, he was selected the Outstanding Airman of the
Headquarters Command, USAF. He served in the Special Air Missions, scheduling
Air Force One for Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. He retired in 1964 as chief
master sergeant in the Air Force. He subsequently joined the Army Material
Command as executive officer in the Office of the General Counsel, where he
served from 1967 until his retirement in 1982.
In addition to his wife, Helen, whom he always referred to as "my bride", he
leaves his sister, Allyne Schaffer; three children, Mary Ellen Saunders, Sue
Burke and Jim Gaiser Jr.; five grandchildren, Heather and Joe Saunders, Jim III,
Richie and Sara Gaiser; and two great-grandchildren, Mattea and Avellina
Saunders. Although he was always proud of all his children and grandchildren,
one of the highlights of his life was when his grandson, Joe Saunders, became a
Major League Baseball player. He now plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks as a
left handed pitcher.
Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 28, 2011, in the Worthington
Lutheran Church Cemetery, Worthington, Pa.
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