CRESSEY, James T.

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ May 31, 1995, p. 2 James T. Cressey of Wickenburg died May 22 in Wickenburg. He was 86. Mr. Cressey was born September 21, 1908 in El Centro, California. He had lived in Arizona for the past 35 years, coming from California. Mr. Cressey served 27 years with the U.S. Navy, retiring as a lieutenant. He was awarded numerous citations during his naval career, including the Presidential Unit Citation, the Purple Heart and a Silver Star. Mr. Cressey earned the Presidential Unit Citation during World War II, when he and his crewmates saved an entire Marine detachment, using PT boats. The searched through bushes and rescued every man. Mr. Cressey served on PT boats with Lt. (jg) John F. Kennedy, later to become our 33 president. He was a member of the Retired Naval Officers Association. Mr. Cressey enjoyed artifact hunting with his metal detector, and donated his Indian collection to a Nogales museum. Survivors include his son, Letcher Ernest White of Fremont, California; brother Walter Alan Cressey of Camp Verde, California; and six grandchildren. Mr. Cressey was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Evelyn, in February 1995. Memorial contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 450 Rose Lane, Wickenburg, AZ 85390. Frey Funeral Home and cremation Service was in charge of all arrangements.