James Clinton Case, 1951 UW Graduate, Dies at Age 89
Lieutenant James Clinton Case, 89, of Pensacola FL passed away on October 27, 2018. He was born in Racine, Wisconsin on October 2, 1929 to Clinton and Ruth Case. Jim was stationed in San Diego when he married Elaine Georgeson on June 16, 1951. Together they raised five children, first living in Pittsburgh and later in Idaho Falls. Upon Jim’s retirement they relocated to Tucson, but eventually made their final move to Pensacola 20 years ago.
Jim attended the University of Wisconsin from 1947-1951 on a ROTC scholarship and graduated with a degree in Naval Science. He served three years of active duty in the Navy and 20 years in the reserves. Jim served on the USS Spangler in San Diego and on the USS Gregory in the Pacific during the Korean War. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal (3 stars), the United Nations Service Medal, the China Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. In 1955 Jim earned a second bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He worked for Westinghouse for 16 years and Argonne National Laboratories for 17 years.
Playing bridge was Jim’s passion. He was a member of the Pensacola Bridge Club and earned his Diamond Life Master Award in March of 2018. He was an avid chess player, who enjoyed solving the NY Times daily crossword puzzle and following the stock market. Jim was a fanatic when it came to playing Texas Hold’em at the Pensacola Greyhound Track. His winnings kept him coming back for more. Likewise, he could pay for his trips to Las Vegas with his earnings from the Black Jack table.
An outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed all the adventures that Idaho offers, Jim loved camping at Meadow Lake, river rafting down the Selway and Salmon Rivers, and downhill skiing at Grand Targhee and Kelly’s Canyon. He taught his four sons how to hunt for pheasant, grouse, and deer. Later in life Jim went out of his way to provide beautiful settings for extended family vacations, whether it was by the warm beaches of Acapulco or under the blue skies of Sun Valley.
Jim is survived by five children including Bill (Shirley) Case of University Place, WA; Bob (Dena) Case of Kalispell, MT; Tom (Tami), John (Donna), and Nancy Case of Idaho Falls, ID; brothers Richard and Joel Case of Maryland; 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Elaine in 2017 and great-grandson Cole Eck in 2016.
A Committal Service was held on Friday, November 2, 2018 at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola.
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