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| James C. Church (2007) |
Jim Church and Paul Theisen created our Color Guard in 2005. Jim attended just about every color guard event until his death in 2009 and was a recipient of the SAR Bronze Color Guard Medal.
From his Obituary:
James C. Church 84, of Elk River, was lifted into God's holy presence on April 23, 2009, his peaceful passing witnessed by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his son, Patrick, Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Donna Kirkpatrick Church, son Philip (Lisa), Stillwater; daughter, Lynette Robinson (Craig), Elk River; daughter, Bobbie Church (Denis Stamaris) Seattle. Grandpa to four granddaughters, and one grandson. Also surviving, a sister, Marjory Knell, Laurel, MD. Jim was born in Wyoming, Illinois, March 1, 1925. He graduated high school in Portage,WI, 1942. As a 19 year old soldier in 1944-45 his Army Infantry Unit engaged in combat duty from Omaha Beach, rolling through France, Belgium, including the Battle of the Bulge, Holland and Germany. Married in October, 1945, discharged from the Army in 1946, he enrolled at University of Wisconsin, Madison, receiving his degree in electrical engineering in 1949. He gained experience in the aerospace industry in California, moving on to NASA Houston to become a design engineer in the development of the Apollo spacecraft and the planning for the Moon landing. Following the successful launch of the Apollo, he returned to the middle west, and adapted techniques from aerospace to the work in mining safety in Minneapolis. Jim was a loving husband and father. He was a planner and goal-setter. He consistently maintained standards of personal ethics, did not suffer fools gladly. Over his lifetime he was a diligent genealogist, discovered his link to the Scottish Clan Dunlap . He was a beekeeper, shepherd of a flock of Suffolks during the years he developed "Honeylamb Farm" near Zimmerman. He became a spinner of yarn, a maker of snowshoes for his family. His keen interest is Native American culture was extensive and respectful. Jim was a sincere patriot, honored and valued the flag under which he served. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, serving with the authentically uniformed Honor Guard. He was a member of Union Congregational Church UCC, Elk River, for many years. Other organizations he supported included the Free and Accepted Masons, American Legion , VFW, 106th Division Battle of the Bulge veterans, Sigma Nu Fraternity, Lees of Virginia, Americans of Royal Descent, the Crown of Charlemagne, Mayflower Descendants Wisconsin Chapter. Jim kept a neat desk, carried the passports on many travels, packed a bag precisely, loved dogs and Cat Donald.
