Michele Marie Agee

Michele Marie Agee died at age 64 on 20 July 2022 at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida after a 17-year battle with cancer. Michele’s death comes as a shock because to the last she was beautiful, fit, and active doing what she loved – traveling to be with her family and friends, exercising on a bike, a hike or in the gym, and working on civil engineering projects with her dear colleagues.

“Bring me men to match my mountains.” Michele was a mountain girl growing up in an Italian family in Boulder, Colorado. Michele was a member of “80’s Ladies,” and was justifiably proud to have marched up the “Bring Me Men” ramp in the first class with women admitted to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, in 1976. A talented athlete and scholar, Michele was recruited to start the women’s gymnastics team and she was the team captain. Michele graduated in 1980 with a degree in Civil Engineering and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Michele was beloved by her classmates for her warmth, professionalism, and character. The friendships that Michele formed as a cadet followed her for the rest of her life. The most important of these was with her “Mach One” cadet squadron-mate and best friend, Jim. Michele and Jim’s 40-year anniversary in May celebrated a marriage of passion, teamwork, and trust that grew stronger with each precious moment spent together.

Michele served in the active-duty Air Force as a civil engineer for 12-years. On the day the U.S. Congress allowed women to serve in combat units, Michele joined the 202nd Red Horse Combat Civil Engineering squadron in the Florida Air National Guard. Michele went on to become the first female to command a Florida National Guard squadron, the 114th Combat Communications Squadron. After a total of 22-years of service, Michele retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Florida National Guard on the same day as her husband, Jim, in October 2002.

Michele was a registered Professional Engineer in Florida and Georgia. Michele ran a successful civil engineering business with clients including the Department of Defense, Duval County Public Schools, Clay County School Board, and many northeast Florida architects and contractors.

Michele was a lifelong athlete, an avid skier, and an accomplished cyclist participating in road bike events all over the country with Jim. However, it is the joy that Michele brought to everyone who knew her that defines Michele. Michele lit up any room she entered, and her laughter is as unforgettable as it was contagious. Michele’s light shines brightly in her children, Chelsea and Mitch. But there was a special connection to her beloved granddaughter, Lucy, who is a little spitfire of energy and joy just like her “Nonna.”

Michele is survived by her husband Jim, her daughter Chelsea (Matt Merrill), her granddaughter Lucy Merrill and her son, Mitch. Michele is also survived by her mother Shirley Michaels, sister Mona Pompili, brother Tony Pompili, and brother Joe Pompili (Dora).

Michele’s Memorial Service will be held at the United States Air Force Academy cemetery in Colorado on Thursday, 8 September, at 1400. Michele is going home.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Rotary Club of Jacksonville Florida Foundation, P. O. Box 37028, Jacksonville, Florida 32236.