helicopter designer∼Sikorsky Aircraft mourns the loss of James H. Thach, III – Former Sikorsky Director of Search and Rescue Requirements and 35-year employee, working primarily with U.S. Coast Guard projects. Thach had worked on every U.S. Coast Guard Program since 1964, including the HH-52A, the first turbine powered amphibious SAR helicopter, the HH-3F, and the HH-60J, which he was the Program Manager, responsible for the design and delivery of the HH-60H to the U.S. Navy and the HH-60J to the U.S. Coast Guard. He was the recipient of the Igor I. Sikorsky Helicopter Rescue Award, "Rescue S," as the pilot of a Sikorsky helicopter during a life-saving mission in 1972. He also was awarded the USCG Distinguished Public Service Award in 1999 and the USCG Meritorious Public Service Award in 1987.
"Jim was a passionate employee whose devotion to providing the best product for saving lives is recognized below by the USCG. As the former manager of the Coast Guard program, I sought and valued his council, and will greatly miss him," said Jim Alfiere, Sikorsky Aftermarket Business Development Manager. U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral David W. Kunkel noted that Jim was a great friend of the Coast Guard and that he will be missed by many.
In an email note to colleagues, J.P. Currier, Rear Admiral Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District, wrote:
"…I want to ensure that all are aware of the passing of a true friend of the Coast Guard. Mr. James H. Thach III…passed away at home on 2 February after a long illness. Although I've attached his obituary, it does not do justice to the decades of support offered to our Service by this remarkable person. For many years, through his job at Sikorsky, he was involved in the design and support of the HH-52, HH-3F and HH-60J helicopters.
"I knew him well during our acquisition of the Jayhawk in the late eighties and early nineties. As Sikorsky Program Manager for the HH-60H and J, he worked tirelessly to ensure that our aircraft was fit for the extremes of USCG service. Over a four-year period, I had the privilege of working with him on a daily basis, and I can assure you all that the proud record that has been achieved by the HH-60 and her crews is directly attributable to Jim Thach's dedication and commitment.
"His work saved countless lives, but he never received direct recognition; rather, his satisfaction was gained through watching our crews perform. Beyond his leadership at Sikorsky, Jim worked through the Navy League for many years in support of the Coast Guard. There are those, although not wearing Coast Guard blue, who dedicate their lives to supporting our Service and her lifesaving mission. Jim Thach was such a person and, while we should all be saddened by his passing, we should also celebrate the lifetime accomplishments of a distinguished friend."
According to the Feb. 6, 2008 Hartford Courant obituary, a memorial service will be held for Thach on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. at the U.S. Coast Guard Chapel, 31 Mohegan Ave., New London, Conn.
A reception will follow the service. There are no calling hours. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brevillier Fund of MacCurdy Salisbury Educational Foundation, Inc., that awards scholarships to deserving Lyme students.
--------------------------------------
James H. Thach III, of Lyme, CT, died at his home. He was born in Baltimore, Md., the son of Adm. James H. Thach Jr., USN, and Caroline Lee Jewett Thach.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Margaret M. (Reilly) Thach; his cherished children, Amy E. Thach-McArtor of Wadsworth, Ohio and Lt. James H. Thach IV, USCGR and his wife, Gretchen, of Poulsbo, Wash.; and his grandson, Kenneth C. McArtor.
Mr. Thach was a graduate of St. Paul's Prep School in Concord, N.H., Tufts University where he received his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he received his master's degree in management.
"Jim was a passionate employee whose devotion to providing the best product for saving lives is recognized below by the USCG. As the former manager of the Coast Guard program, I sought and valued his council, and will greatly miss him," said Jim Alfiere, Sikorsky Aftermarket Business Development Manager. U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral David W. Kunkel noted that Jim was a great friend of the Coast Guard and that he will be missed by many.
In an email note to colleagues, J.P. Currier, Rear Admiral Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District, wrote:
"…I want to ensure that all are aware of the passing of a true friend of the Coast Guard. Mr. James H. Thach III…passed away at home on 2 February after a long illness. Although I've attached his obituary, it does not do justice to the decades of support offered to our Service by this remarkable person. For many years, through his job at Sikorsky, he was involved in the design and support of the HH-52, HH-3F and HH-60J helicopters.
"I knew him well during our acquisition of the Jayhawk in the late eighties and early nineties. As Sikorsky Program Manager for the HH-60H and J, he worked tirelessly to ensure that our aircraft was fit for the extremes of USCG service. Over a four-year period, I had the privilege of working with him on a daily basis, and I can assure you all that the proud record that has been achieved by the HH-60 and her crews is directly attributable to Jim Thach's dedication and commitment.
"His work saved countless lives, but he never received direct recognition; rather, his satisfaction was gained through watching our crews perform. Beyond his leadership at Sikorsky, Jim worked through the Navy League for many years in support of the Coast Guard. There are those, although not wearing Coast Guard blue, who dedicate their lives to supporting our Service and her lifesaving mission. Jim Thach was such a person and, while we should all be saddened by his passing, we should also celebrate the lifetime accomplishments of a distinguished friend."
According to the Feb. 6, 2008 Hartford Courant obituary, a memorial service will be held for Thach on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. at the U.S. Coast Guard Chapel, 31 Mohegan Ave., New London, Conn.
A reception will follow the service. There are no calling hours. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brevillier Fund of MacCurdy Salisbury Educational Foundation, Inc., that awards scholarships to deserving Lyme students.
--------------------------------------
James H. Thach III, of Lyme, CT, died at his home. He was born in Baltimore, Md., the son of Adm. James H. Thach Jr., USN, and Caroline Lee Jewett Thach.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Margaret M. (Reilly) Thach; his cherished children, Amy E. Thach-McArtor of Wadsworth, Ohio and Lt. James H. Thach IV, USCGR and his wife, Gretchen, of Poulsbo, Wash.; and his grandson, Kenneth C. McArtor.
Mr. Thach was a graduate of St. Paul's Prep School in Concord, N.H., Tufts University where he received his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he received his master's degree in management.
helicopter designer∼Sikorsky Aircraft mourns the loss of James H. Thach, III – Former Sikorsky Director of Search and Rescue Requirements and 35-year employee, working primarily with U.S. Coast Guard projects. Thach had worked on every U.S. Coast Guard Program since 1964, including the HH-52A, the first turbine powered amphibious SAR helicopter, the HH-3F, and the HH-60J, which he was the Program Manager, responsible for the design and delivery of the HH-60H to the U.S. Navy and the HH-60J to the U.S. Coast Guard. He was the recipient of the Igor I. Sikorsky Helicopter Rescue Award, "Rescue S," as the pilot of a Sikorsky helicopter during a life-saving mission in 1972. He also was awarded the USCG Distinguished Public Service Award in 1999 and the USCG Meritorious Public Service Award in 1987.
"Jim was a passionate employee whose devotion to providing the best product for saving lives is recognized below by the USCG. As the former manager of the Coast Guard program, I sought and valued his council, and will greatly miss him," said Jim Alfiere, Sikorsky Aftermarket Business Development Manager. U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral David W. Kunkel noted that Jim was a great friend of the Coast Guard and that he will be missed by many.
In an email note to colleagues, J.P. Currier, Rear Admiral Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District, wrote:
"…I want to ensure that all are aware of the passing of a true friend of the Coast Guard. Mr. James H. Thach III…passed away at home on 2 February after a long illness. Although I've attached his obituary, it does not do justice to the decades of support offered to our Service by this remarkable person. For many years, through his job at Sikorsky, he was involved in the design and support of the HH-52, HH-3F and HH-60J helicopters.
"I knew him well during our acquisition of the Jayhawk in the late eighties and early nineties. As Sikorsky Program Manager for the HH-60H and J, he worked tirelessly to ensure that our aircraft was fit for the extremes of USCG service. Over a four-year period, I had the privilege of working with him on a daily basis, and I can assure you all that the proud record that has been achieved by the HH-60 and her crews is directly attributable to Jim Thach's dedication and commitment.
"His work saved countless lives, but he never received direct recognition; rather, his satisfaction was gained through watching our crews perform. Beyond his leadership at Sikorsky, Jim worked through the Navy League for many years in support of the Coast Guard. There are those, although not wearing Coast Guard blue, who dedicate their lives to supporting our Service and her lifesaving mission. Jim Thach was such a person and, while we should all be saddened by his passing, we should also celebrate the lifetime accomplishments of a distinguished friend."
According to the Feb. 6, 2008 Hartford Courant obituary, a memorial service will be held for Thach on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. at the U.S. Coast Guard Chapel, 31 Mohegan Ave., New London, Conn.
A reception will follow the service. There are no calling hours. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brevillier Fund of MacCurdy Salisbury Educational Foundation, Inc., that awards scholarships to deserving Lyme students.
--------------------------------------
James H. Thach III, of Lyme, CT, died at his home. He was born in Baltimore, Md., the son of Adm. James H. Thach Jr., USN, and Caroline Lee Jewett Thach.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Margaret M. (Reilly) Thach; his cherished children, Amy E. Thach-McArtor of Wadsworth, Ohio and Lt. James H. Thach IV, USCGR and his wife, Gretchen, of Poulsbo, Wash.; and his grandson, Kenneth C. McArtor.
Mr. Thach was a graduate of St. Paul's Prep School in Concord, N.H., Tufts University where he received his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he received his master's degree in management.
"Jim was a passionate employee whose devotion to providing the best product for saving lives is recognized below by the USCG. As the former manager of the Coast Guard program, I sought and valued his council, and will greatly miss him," said Jim Alfiere, Sikorsky Aftermarket Business Development Manager. U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral David W. Kunkel noted that Jim was a great friend of the Coast Guard and that he will be missed by many.
In an email note to colleagues, J.P. Currier, Rear Admiral Commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District, wrote:
"…I want to ensure that all are aware of the passing of a true friend of the Coast Guard. Mr. James H. Thach III…passed away at home on 2 February after a long illness. Although I've attached his obituary, it does not do justice to the decades of support offered to our Service by this remarkable person. For many years, through his job at Sikorsky, he was involved in the design and support of the HH-52, HH-3F and HH-60J helicopters.
"I knew him well during our acquisition of the Jayhawk in the late eighties and early nineties. As Sikorsky Program Manager for the HH-60H and J, he worked tirelessly to ensure that our aircraft was fit for the extremes of USCG service. Over a four-year period, I had the privilege of working with him on a daily basis, and I can assure you all that the proud record that has been achieved by the HH-60 and her crews is directly attributable to Jim Thach's dedication and commitment.
"His work saved countless lives, but he never received direct recognition; rather, his satisfaction was gained through watching our crews perform. Beyond his leadership at Sikorsky, Jim worked through the Navy League for many years in support of the Coast Guard. There are those, although not wearing Coast Guard blue, who dedicate their lives to supporting our Service and her lifesaving mission. Jim Thach was such a person and, while we should all be saddened by his passing, we should also celebrate the lifetime accomplishments of a distinguished friend."
According to the Feb. 6, 2008 Hartford Courant obituary, a memorial service will be held for Thach on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. at the U.S. Coast Guard Chapel, 31 Mohegan Ave., New London, Conn.
A reception will follow the service. There are no calling hours. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brevillier Fund of MacCurdy Salisbury Educational Foundation, Inc., that awards scholarships to deserving Lyme students.
--------------------------------------
James H. Thach III, of Lyme, CT, died at his home. He was born in Baltimore, Md., the son of Adm. James H. Thach Jr., USN, and Caroline Lee Jewett Thach.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Margaret M. (Reilly) Thach; his cherished children, Amy E. Thach-McArtor of Wadsworth, Ohio and Lt. James H. Thach IV, USCGR and his wife, Gretchen, of Poulsbo, Wash.; and his grandson, Kenneth C. McArtor.
Mr. Thach was a graduate of St. Paul's Prep School in Concord, N.H., Tufts University where he received his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he received his master's degree in management.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
