Lt. Colonel James Francis Westerkamp
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio on February 6, 1935
Departed on September 19, 2007 and resided in
Plainview, MA
Lt. Colonel James Francis Westerkamp, 72, of Plainville, MA passed away September 19, 2007. He was a native of Cincinnati, Ohio and a resident of Plainville, MA since 1983. He retired from the U.S. Army after 23 years of service to our nation, having served in Vietnam, Europe and Okinawa. His military awards and decorations include two Bronze Stars; two Meritorious Service Medals; US Army Commendation Medal; National Defense Medal; three Vietnam Service Medals; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; US Army Service Ribbon; two Overseas Bars; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Civil Action Unit Medal; three Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palms and a Parachutist Badge. He served with the Military Police in various supervisory and command positions. While serving in Okinawa he was awarded for his athleticism by the US Army in the Ironman competition. He graduated from the University of Dayton and later earned his Master’s degree from Ball State University. Upon retiring from the Army he worked for the Engelhart Corporation and later as a Real Estate Broker.
Jim was a lover of nature, gardening and fishing, having received an award for a record-size fish as a youngster. He was an avid bicyclist, participating in several century rides for charitable causes. Jim was also a sports enthusiast who enjoyed playing most racquet sports. He and his family enjoyed hiking together. He loved reading and listening to music.
Jim will be remembered for his wisdom, kindness, humility and ability to listen. For those who knew him he was an honorable and special person.
Jim is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carol Ann, his three daughters; Ona Marie Bouchie, Dana Ann Mendoza and Lisa Lynn Jedrey; two grandsons, Robert James and Jack David Jedrey; a brother, Thomas Westerkamp; and three sisters; Ann Beaudoin, Linda Seta and Sue Fullen. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Jerome Westerkamp.
He suffered from Parkinson’s disease. Burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery with full Military Honors. In his honor, donations can be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Inc.
thank you for your service. to the USA. AND KEEPING US FREE.
Dad, God saw you getting tired when a cure was not to be. So he closed his arms around you and whispered, “Come Home to Me”. With tearful eyes we watched you suffer and saw you fade away, although we loved you dearly we could not have you stay. It’s lonesome here without you, we miss you more each day – until we meet again Dad ~ With undending love and devotion, your daughter Dana
Dad, there is not a day that goes by that I am not aware of your absence. I see you in your grandsons and pray that they will life as you did, with grace and dignity. Society benefited from you as a soldier, volunteer and generous citizen. Friends benefited from your wit, wisdom and caring soul. Mom was the luckiest women to have had you as a husband. You treated her like a queen. I feel Dana, Ona and I were the most blessed as we knew you in your most important and relevant role….a father. I love you and I thank you for all you gave and taught to me. Your lil’ lis
Jim, Your mentorship and friendship were instrumental in me deciding to make the Army a career. You are missed by many.
The crossroads that led to our meeting made my life more enjoyable. To have had the opportunity to know you as a friend enriched my life. You taught by example on how a Christian life was meant to be lived. Always thinking of those less fortunate, you thought of ways to make their days a little brighter. You were a goodwell ambassador for the US Military. Your memory and deeds will remain with us thru the years.
My Sympathy to the Family. Jim was a wonderful and wise person.
Love Cookie
Jim The Cowboy. Thanks for being a great brother in law and a friend to us. You were a person that was not afraid to step out of your comfort zone to help others.
Love
Joe and Rita Cameron
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Westerkamp famly on their tremendous loss. I know I speak for all of our former classmates of the University of Dayton class of 1958 when I say that Jim was indeed “special.” We will miss him, but will remember and honor him at our 50th Reunion on June 20. Jim – thank you for being the type of person you were. Rest peacefully and God Bless you forever,
Dear Uncle Jim,
I always enjoyed our conversations at the family get together. You and I always seemed to sit down and have many different discussions about various things but I always knew you would be looking for me as I you.
I will miss but treasure those conversations we had and I will continue our search for those cures we had both sought out and discussed in depth as to the progress we both were making.
Your strength and courage keeps me focused on my journey.
Until we talk again!
With Love,
Mike
Dad,
Where does one start to take the journey to say good bye. Never would have got on board had I known it was not for the “weak of stomachs”. As in when you were here physically I do not have a day that goes by without some thought to you, Mom, Dana or Lisa. My heart has a piece of you. Our family is the blood that keeps it pumping. Be with us as you always have and I promise you that we are with you. With your lessons we all know the value of family.We have a strong bond that will survive missing you. My trust in you gives me the faith to be there to stand with our family as we pay our respects to you on April 4. You touched more lives than you may have known, My wish is that you can feel the impact you have had on others the way we have experienced by their sharing. I am so thankful for the time that you you gave us. You struggled with pain and many, many challanges. You sure as hell deserve to be smiling, gardening, observing, learning, reading, educating, cooking and tending to all of “us ladies” the way you always did. I can feel you and thank you for continuing to be there.
The loss of you as my father will always be there. I am okay with that sadness as long as you still communicate with me in my dreams. “Cookie dough” has a whole new meaning to me. I know you are with me and I am grateful.
Smile,
Ona
Jim, Our friendship was born in 1976 Germany and was nurtured through countless meals parties and a Fasching remember First Prize at Wiesbaden?. Our families grew together through shared child rearing experiences remember the seven year old girl smokers? and extended family visits Rita loves you still at 94.. Our friendship continued thru visits all across the country until our last, best time together when you were beginning to feel the effects of your illness.
As you drove away that day we realized what a special man you are and how much you contributed to the quality of our lives. We miss you!
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lisa and her family at this time of great sorrow. We feel blessed to have met Mr. Westerkamp and his family. Kindest regards, Danielle and Chris Sasso
What a wonderful brother-in-law Jim was. Such kindness, wisdom and deep love for Carol Ann and his girls. His gentle calm nature was soothing to us all. He faced Parkinson’s with courage and dignity – just like a soldier. Our love to you all.
Carol,
It was an honor and a pleasure to have known Jim even for such a brief time. He was a warm loverly man and it was great to share two grandsons with him. We will all miss him.
Pat and Bob Jedrey
Jim,
You were a wonderful loving father-in-law and grandfather to our boys.
I really enjoyed spending time with you in your yard and at our home. We had a lot of laughs and we loved you.
Dave
Jim,
You were a wonderful loving father-in-law and grandfather to our boys.
I really enjoyed spending time with you in your yard and at our home. We had a lot of laughs and we loved you.
Dave
Dad,
I love you.
Smile,
Ona