James M. Cusack

James Michael Cusack went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 20, 2011. He was born on April 16, 1924 in Bryn Mawr, PA to Patrick and Catherine (Flannery) Cusack. He was educated in parochial and public schools in Bryn Mawr and Ardmore, PA. In November 1942 he enlisted in the Navy. His first assignment was on the U.S.S. Enterprise as a radioman. He spent 18 months on this ship and participated in all of its engagements during that time which included Kwajalein, Truk, New Guinea, Hong Kong, Saipan, Guam, Formosa, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Kyushu. As a member of Admiral Mathais Gardner’s staff he later spent time aboard the U.S.S. Ranger and New Jersey. He married Audrey Haley in 1946. After leaving the Pacific area he reenlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the U.S.S. Valley Forge and spent the next two years in the Mediterranean. Shortly after leaving the Navy in 1949 he became an air traffic controller for the F.A.A. His assignment was on Woody Island, Kodiak, Alaska, for the next six years with his wife and children. He then transferred to Anchorage, Alaska. In 1979 he retired as Assistant Chief of the Air Traffic Control System in Anchorage. Upon retirement he moved to Laclede and then to Sandpoint, Idaho He and his wife Audrey celebrated 64 years of marriage on August 16, 2010. In addition to his wife he is survived by his daughter: Candace Ferguson, Renton, WA, son: Kenneth (Rebecha), Normandy Park, WA; son: Craig (Linda) Soldotna, AK, two granddaughters: Kathryn (Joshua) Rice, Puyallup, WA, Kelsey Cusack, Soldotna, AK; one great granddaughter: Kya Rice, one great grandson: Brody Rice both Puyallup, WA. and by one sister Rita, in Reading, PA. He was preceded in death by 1 daughter Mary Francis, his parents, 2 brothers, and 8 sisters. James attended Sandpoint Christian Center. Memorials may be made to the Bonner Gospel Mission or the Salvation Army. At his request there will be no memorial service and he will be cremated.