USAF Major James R. Hassler

Retired USAF Major James R. Hassler, Huber Heights Ohio, passed away from natural causes on December 21, 2024. Born James Richard Hassler in Shelby, Ohio, to Vernice and William Markle Hassler on June 22, 1932. After graduating Shelby High School, he joined United States Air Force as a pilot cadet, serving his country around the world in places like Japan, Morocco, Thailand, Guam and many more assignments. James was a decorated B-52 bomber pilot and flew the “City of El Paso” B52 bomber to be inducted into the USAF museum at Dayton Ohio in 1962. He retired from the USAF in 1972, and attended Sinclair Community College, graduating with an associate’s degree in business, He then joined Gem Saving Bank as a branch manager in Huber Heights and retiring from PNC bank 10 years later. Proceeded in death by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn M. (Wilkinson); brother William E. Hassler and sister Barbara L. (Hunter).

Survived by his son, James and wife Diane Hassler, Beavercreek, Ohio, their family including Jennifer and Jamshid Moradmand, son Maziar, Kettering, Ohio, and Jeff and Lisa Mesaros, son Cameron, Thousand Oaks, CA.

Additional survivors include nieces and nephews; Shari and Doug Dunn and Sons (Shelby, Ohio); Ret. Lt. Col. Michael Hunter and Deborah and Sons (Colorado Springs, Co.); Jeff and Deb Hassler and family (Findley Ohio); Sandra and Paul Stoodt and family (Shelby Ohio) and Cindy Hunter and family (Findley, Ohio) and extended family members Liz and Chris Enge, their children Lucy and Alex, of Cincinnati Ohio.

A private burial will be conducted at the Dayton National Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio at a future date.

The family is requesting donations be made to Hospice in Dayton in lieu of flowers. 

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