James “Kelly” DePasquale, died at the age of 94. James DePasquale passed away quietly at approximately 9:00 p.m., on October 6, 2016, at Fort Harrison, Helena, Montana. His loving wife Mary was by his side at the time of his death. Her devotion to him and care for him during his last years were immeasurable.
James DePasquale was born on June 16, 1922, in Oakland, California to Lawrence and Susie DePasquale. He was the youngest of nine children.
James DePasquale, like many of his generation, enlisted in the U.S. Army following the attack at Pearl Harbor. “Kelly,” as he was called by his army buddies, was well-liked for his positive, encouraging influence as a fellow soldier.
James became a pilot in the Army Air Corps. He was assigned to the 456th Fighter Squadron, and he served his country flying the P-51 Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt in the South Pacific. During lighter moments on the island of Iwo Jima, the pilots would imitate a popular singing group of that era, the Ink Spots. “Kelly” would always sing the falsetto part, causing great laughter.
After the war, James DePasquale answered God’s call and he became an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene. He served God as a missionary. His unwavering faith was, and will remain, a pillar for his family.
James moved to Helena in the early 1990s. He loved people and everywhere he went, at any time, he brought smiles to people he met with his positive, engaging spirit. He loved his family very much. James is survived by his wife Mary and three children, Susan, David and James.
Thank you to the wonderful people at the Helena Church of the Nazarene. Your love, care and ministry to James and Mary over the years have been such a blessing.
Enough cannot be said to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the VA Hospital at Fort Harrison. Their care, love and encouragement to James made his last years more comfortable and gave him quality years of life with his family and friends.
A memorial service celebrating his life will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 14th at Helena Nazarene Church, 117 Valley Drive, Helena. Burial with Military Honors will follow the memorial service at 1:00 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. For those who were thinking to send flowers, we ask that you donate the money to the Church of the Nazarene on James DePasquale’s behalf. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of James.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday October 14, 2016
Helena Nazarene Church
117 Valley Drive
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Friday October 14, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Helen Baker says
So sorry to lose ‘Sir James’ . He brought so many hours of joy to all of us at the senior center. Love to you Mary, and God be with you. Helen Baker
Helen Baker says
I remember once when he offered his full plate to a gentleman who took it and gave back his used salad plate. The look on Jim’s face was priceless.
Helen Baker says
This thing absolutely refuses to accept the fact that I’ve said all I have to say. God be with you all.