James P. Qualey Jr.
Jim slipped the surly bonds of earth and touched the face of God on Tuesday, April 10, surrounded by his adoring family at his home after a lengthy illness. Jim was born in Ohio to Grace (Wissman) and James P. Qualey in March of 1939.

He grew up in Cleveland, and attended Case Western Reserve University, John Carroll University in Cleveland, OH and the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs CO. In 1964 he received his commission as a second lieutenant after graduating from the University of Colorado, becoming an Air Force pilot. During that time he was an instructor pilot in the Air Training Command before serving as a combat fighter pilot in Viet Nam as a Wild Weasel. He later flew with the Aggressors Squadron at Nellis AFB, and as a FCF test pilot. After his years in the military, Jim went on to a career in the defense industry as a systems analyst, as well as a part time math instructor at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

Of great importance to Jim was his spiritual journey as a St. Benedictine Oblate at the Benet Pines Monastery. The sisters there became an extended part of the Qualey family and are very dear to them.

Jim was known by many titles such as captain, pilot, Boy Scout leader, fisherman, painter, Colorado Springs Chorale member, and Oblate. However, the most valuable titles he held were husband, daddy, brother and friend. The light he brought to all he knew will continue to shine.

He married Mary Kaye Conway, the love of his life, on Oct. 29, 1960. Together they had six children. His family grew to include Kidwin Qualey, James P. Qualey III, Katie and Jim Weidemaier, Leslie and Bill Stahelin, Libbie and Bill Zuber, and Karrie Qualey. Jim had six grandchildren, Greg Wilson, Christopher and Andrew Stahelin, Amanda Zuber, and Grace and Arie Weidemaier. Jim is also survived by his brother Jack Qualey and his wife Jean, his niece Kelly, and nephews Jack, Mike and Christopher, along with Mary Kaye’s nine siblings and their children and grandchildren to whom Jim was a beloved brother and uncle.

The family would like to convey a special thanks to the wonderful staff at National Jewish Hospital and the University of Colorado Hospital’s Lung Transplant team in Denver, the staff and volunteers at Penrose Hospital, especially those affiliated with the 11th floor, and the incredible doctors and staff at Rocky Mountain Cancer Center. The family would also like to thank Pikes Peak Hospice for their loving care and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Benet Hill Monastery
3190 Benet Lane
Colorado Springs, CO 80921-1509
Or
Pikes Peak Hospice
825 East Pikes Peak Ave.
Suite 600
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

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