CHURCHILL, James Edward

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Saturday, April 28, 2012 James Edward Churchill, born March 30, 1950, son of Wellington Myron Churchill and Gloria Marie Churchill (née Richards), passed away on April 23, 2012, peacefully in his sleep from complications of a brave 14-year battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his father and his much-beloved grandmother Louise Richard (Old Mimi), who meant the world to him. He is survived by his brother John Churchill; his sister Cindy Churchill; and his mother Gloria Churchill of Swanton, Vt. Jimmy was a father to four children, his oldest, Christine Churchill of Kittery, Maine, Aaron James Churchill, Jeremiah James Churchill of Phoenix, Ariz., and his youngest son, Cody James Churchill of Franklin, Vt. He was also a proud grandfather of Nicolas, Kiley and Ebin. Jimmy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on June 29, 1968. During his service as a reconnaissance marine, he was certified in both ranger and airborne school, as well as being a forward observer and police academy instructor in the Vietnam war. He received many awards during his two tours in Vietnam, including three Purple Heart medals, a national defense medal, a combat action ribbon, a bronze star with combat "V", Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal and Vietnamese Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Action, First Class. After four honorable years of service, Jim returned home and found a passion for boxing. He won four Golden Gloves and finished with a record of 46 wins, five losses and one draw. Along with his enthusiasm for boxing, he was an avid runner who completed many marathons and received several trophies for his dedication to the sport and physical fitness. After a career working at IBM in Vermont, Jim retired to Chino Valley, Ariz. He spent his days enjoying life by hiking, traveling to national parks with friends and family, sharing his mornings with his dog Sargie, and skydiving. Carrying on the tradition of an airborne ranger, Jim completed his 101st jump in Sedona this past fall. Jimmy could be seen daily on the Peavine Trail, one of many trails throughout the country for which he kept a hiking log totaling 13,228 miles. Jim will be missed as an important member of the community and by his friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to U.S. Vets in continued support of other Veterans in need at U.S.VETS-Prescott, 500 North Highway 89, P.O. Box 9059, Prescott, AZ 86313. "Cancer is like a bully on the schoolground - once you stand up to it, it doesn't scare you anymore." Semper Fi. Information provided by survivors.