James R. Casey

Jim was born in Safford, Arizona, the son of Glenn and Dorothy Casey. He lived in Duncan, Phoenix, and Yuma before attending the University of Arizona in Tucson. He joined Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity and it was at a Fraternity/Sorority Exchange that he met his future wife, Mary Jo Gobel. They married and six months later he was drafted into the Army ending up in Germany serving in the Military Police, 62nd Highway Patrol doing accident investigation. Mary Jo graduated, joined him and taught school on base. He obtained a month’s leave, bought a car, and they camped their way through ten countries. Thus, began his desire to travel! He was a planner! Returning home, he completed college, worked in the family business in Yuma, then returned to the University and completed 26 units of accounting in one year. He worked for Ernst and Ernst in Tucson, where daughter Terri was born, followed by the Navel Audit Service, Oxnard, CA, where son, Michael was born. Bitten by the travel bug, the family camped throughout the U.S. and Canada, exploring much of Death Valley. He was transferred to China Lake, followed by Garden Grove, completed his MPA at USC and transferred to Navel Headquarters in Falls church, VA, settling the family in Springfield. Traveling for the Audit Service he spent time in Guam, Okinawa, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and various parts of the U.S. He retired from the Department of Defense, Inspector General in 1993, and retired to Destin, Florida, for 15 years, choosing to return north in 2009 to be closer to the family. Settling in Culpeper, VA, he enjoyed spending time with his children and only grandchild, Andrew. (Andy) Jim was a bundle of energy. Over the years he was yearbook editor, Cheerleader, Track Manager, PTA President, Webelo Co-leader, Treasurer of the Pack and Soccer Coach. In retirement he volunteered at the hospital, the church thrift shop, The International Conference of Police chaplains, was President of the Gideons, and helped others through AA. He became very active in Church, did Bible study and took the Walk to Emmaus, followed by mission trips to Peru, Ecuador, Belize and Waveland, MS, after Hurricane Katrina. He and Mary Jo were fortunate to be able to travel the world taking cruises and land trips. They found a much-loved home with Pastor Brad Hales and the Congregation at Reformation Lutheran Church in Culpeper. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Jo; son, Mike, daughter, Terri Stirk (Tony), grandson (Andrew Casey Stirk), sister, Carolyn Sievwright and nieces, Jan and Kim and their families. If so desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 5540 Falmouth St. Suite 101 Richmond, VA 23230 1-888-557-7177