James T Guyer

James Talbot Guyer (Jim), 89, of Tampa Florida was born in 1928 at West Point, NY, where his father, Robert George Guyer, was a physics professor. His mother, Rose Ravenhall Guyer, was the daughter of Senator Richard Ravenhall of New York who helped revolutionize Coney Island, Ravenhall Bathhouse and Hotel.

Jim was a third generation graduate of the United State Military Academy, where his father, grandfather, uncle and cousin are also USMA graduates. Jim was a veteran infantry officer and the only man in his Class of 1951 to receive battlefield promotion. Directly descended from Walter Palmer the Pilgrim of 1629 and Major Daniel Dickinson, one of the heroes in the Battle of Saratoga, Guyer military service included brothers Richard and George (WW II), and nephews Thad Guyer (Vietnam) and Matthew Guyer (1986-2015, Iraq). After the army Jim’s leadership continued as a senior executive for Continental Can Company, Purl Beer, Schlitz Beer and Miller Brewing Company, where he built five can-manufacturing plants for Miller.

Jim was an adventurer! After retiring, he sailed the Florida and Carolina coasts, Bahamas and Caribbean for five years with his wife, Judy. In his 50’s he ran marathons in New York, Minnesota and Milwaukee. In his 60’s he successfully competed in Triathlons across the country.

He began Skydiving and BASE (Bridge, Antenna, Span, Earth) jumping at age 70, achieving more than 1000 Skydiving jumps. At 75 and a Guinness World Record holder, National Geographic filmed a special of Jim BASE jumping off Angel Falls in Venezuela. Jim successfully broke two world records as being the oldest skydiver and BASE jumper in the world.

Jim is preceded in death by his father Robert, mother Rose and first wife, Libby Jackson. Immediate family includes children, Jimmy (Lucia), Kathy Guyer Brantley, and Britt (Skylaar); grandchildren, Robert (Kelli), Patrick (Lindsay), and Hilty; great-grand children, Isabelle, Preslie, and Moses; nephews, Robert Guyer (Katherine), Thad (Trang) and George. Second wife, Judy Swofford; stepchildren include Chris Calvert (Kathy) and Heidi Oligmueller (Tim).

A funeral will be held on Monday February 26, 2018, 2:00 pm at Blount Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609.