Capt. James Reese served as a CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter pilot in the HMH-462 “Heavy Haulers” squadron under the Marine Aircraft Group 16 and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, FMFPAC. Capt. Reese was stationed at Tustin Air Force Base in Orange County, CA, and on a tour of duty at the Marine Corp Air Station in Futenma, Japan when, on May 6, 1985, he and 16 other Marines were killed in a helicopter crash returning from an air show and open house at Iwakuni, another American base.
James Reese was born March 24, 1958 in Bellmawr, NJ to Lloyd and Frances Reese, and was one of six brothers; Lee, Bill, Michael, Brian, and Thomas. James had a desire to serve instilled in him from a young age. His father, Lloyd, was the chief of the Bellmawr Park Volunteer Fire Co., and three of his brothers are retired volunteer firefighters. And his eldest brother, Lee, is a retired member of the Bellmawr Police Dept. James had a long-time desire to be a pilot, and turned it into a career when he met a recruiter while at West Chester State (Pa.) University. James was well-liked in his community growing up and developed into a respected individual through his natural leadership qualities and determined character.
At the time of his death, James was survived by parents, brothers, grandparents, Blanche M., and Charles and Angelina Del Rossi, his wife, Carolyn, stepson, Nolan, and his son, James II.