SMSgt James “Jim” Trachta, USAF, Ret. departed this earth August 24, 2017 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, March 1937 to Adolph and Victoria Trachta.
Jim proudly served his beloved country in the United States Air Force for twenty-six years. He served at many radar sites in the United States: Iceland, Alaska, and Germany. He was especially proud of his service at Key West, Florida, during the Cuban Crisis, as an AWACS crew member at Otis AFB, Massachusetts, and the 6912th Security Service Squadron in Berlin, Germany during the Cold War. Jim met his life’s mate at Otis AFB, Massachusetts. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage that included traveling and serving wherever the Air Force sent them before settling in Colorado Springs. After retiring, Jim enjoyed his hobby of stained glass, producing works of art for special people who had touched his life.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Jeannette Ingram. He is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Nathan and wife Mimi of Colorado Springs; and grandson, Ian (U.S. Navy) and wife Katy of San Diego, California.
The family expresses deep appreciation to Pikes Peak Hospice for the compassionate care they gave Jim during his final courage battle. We are also grateful to the Internal Medicine Clinic of the Air Force Academy personnel who managed other health issues during the last two years, with special thanks to nurses Ron Carr and Terri Rose, and most of all Dr. Ilona Kossek.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation, 2550 Tenderfoot Hill Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow the service at the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 South Union Boulevard.