Jim was an extraordinary leader who touched many lives. He dedicated his life to his family and friends and relished every moment he spent with them. He was an extremely active and fit man who enjoyed marathoning, backpacking in the high Cascades, biking, woodworking, his 1967 Austin Healey and collecting and sampling fine wine. He loved jazz, classical music and opera, as well as rock and roll. Recently he had begun to study Italian and art history.
Jim is survived by his wife and best friend Elizabeth (Betsy), his three children and their spouses Mona Caesar Johnson (Bryan), James Michael Caesar, Jr. (Cheryl), and Matthew Joseph Caesar (Zoe); and grandchildren Lauren and Cameron Johnson, Charles and Nicholas Caesar, and Ronan and Sophia Caesar; his parents; his cherished aunt, Virginia Groh; and his brothers Dan and Doug Caesar and sister Anita Kaplan.
Jim grew up in Lakewood, Washington and graduated from Arlington High School in 1964, and married Betsy the following year. After high school he enlisted in the United States Army and was recommended for Armor Officer Candidate School shortly thereafter. He accepted a commission with the U.S. Army in 1967 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1989, completing nearly 24 years of honorable and exceptional service. After retiring from the military, he worked for the Boeing Company as a senior personnel manager, later retiring from that position as well.
Jim served two tours in Vietnam and was recognized for his service with numerous decorations including the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (unit citation). He also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Senior Army Aviator Badge.
The Distinguished Flying Cross was particularly meaningful to Jim. As a Captain in the US Army during the Vietnam War, he was recognized for heroism while participating in aerial flight. He distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander in the wing ship of a light fire team of helicopter gunships in support of Allied ground elements near Fire Support Base Five. He voluntarily flew his aircraft against heavily fortified enemy small arms and anti-aircraft positions. Despite the intense barrage of fire, Jim continually made close runs, in extremely poor visibility and hazardous terrain, to place highly effective and accurate rocket fire on the hostile positions. He displayed outstanding leadership abilities, directing his co-pilot's fire to suppress the enemy positions and at the same time covering the vulnerable lead aircraft. His previous combat experience enabled him to comprehend the friendly element's plight and assist them in finding cover from the attacking enemy. His outstanding skill as an aviator allowed him to successfully complete the mission. Jim's courage, professionalism, and devotion to duty were recognized as keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
As a young officer, Jim worked tirelessly to serve his country, improve himself professionally, and raise his family with a strong work ethic, integrity, and a sense of duty. After work, he would spend his evenings studying to put himself through college and graduate school. Jim earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Auditing (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of South Carolina and an MBA, with a Management and International Finance focus, from Golden Gate University.
Jim’s two careers sent him and his family all over the United States and the world. He enjoyed the challenge and opportunity to explore and learn about new areas.
As a Lieutenant Colonel, Jim served as the first Professor of Military Science at Central Washington University, in Ellensburg, Washington from June 1981 to July 1985. This position was especially important to him and he always cherished this opportunity to touch the lives of his students, guiding the next generation of leaders of our country. He was extremely proud of the accomplishments of his cadets. His name is inscribed on the memorial wall at The Smithsonian Museum for his contributions to military aviation.
Jim will be buried at the Army National Cemetery, June 23, 2014 and there will be a celebration of his life at the Mill Creek Country Club September 14, 2014. Visit Jim’s memorial blog: alohacougar36.blogspot.com for more information, also please post memories, photos there. In recognition of Jim’s love of the outdoors, and his volunteer work for the Washington Trails Association, the Caesar family requests that friends and family plant trees in honor of Jim.
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