Signal Charlie CAPT James Frederick Ponzo, USN (Ret.)

CAPT James Frederick Ponzo, USN (Ret.)

James “Jim” Frederick Ponzo was born on December 29, 1946 to John and Kathleen Ponzo in Evanston, Illinois. On June 16, 2022 in Twin Falls, Idaho, he unexpectedly passed away and is now with His Heavenly Father.

Jim attended grade school at St. Michaels and high school at St. Francis in Wheaton, Illinois. At St Francis, he enjoyed sports and participated in the glee club productions including Brigadoon. His role as MacGregor in Brigadoon helped him embrace his Scottish heritage. With the help of his mother, he set out to perfect his Scottish brogue to accompany his red hair. Jim attended Loras College and graduated in 1969 with a BS in History.

ENS Ponzo, USNR was designated a Naval Aviator on December 11, 1970 at HT-8, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida. He was Navy Helicopter Designator Number R-11308. CAPT Ponzo is the former Commanding Officer of the HC-8 Dragonwhales. April 9, 1983, Jim married Lynn (with Krista right by Lynn’s side) in San Diego, California and in August 1984 they welcomed their son James “Collin” to the family.

The U.S. Navy was the direction he went after college. He proudly piloted H-46 helicopters, spent time on many ships when deployed, instructed at the U.S. Naval War College and was last stationed in Lisbon, Portugal at the U.S. Embassy as the Naval Attaché before his retirement. Over his 26 year distinguished military career, Jim received many awards and honors. After serving our great country, he retired to Twin Falls, Idaho in 1996 with his family. Retirement was not on Jim’s list of “thingsto-do-when-you-retire.” Retirement for Jim consisted of involvement with United Way, Twin Falls Rotary Club, St Edwards Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts, and Magic Valley Youth Soccer Association to name a few. He worked as a travel agent and with SkyWest Airlines (recently retired after 16 years).

He loved to garden and take care of his flowers. His enthusiasm for travel and adventure to see the world was envied by many but that didn’t stop him from filling up his calendar with trips with Lynn and dear friends. He and his son, Collin, would go to Notre Dame football games, and they loved to watch basketball together. As a three time cancer survivor since 2014, Jim never stopped giving his time and support to his friends and family – especially his grandkids whom he absolutely adored.

His family and friends will remember him as a loving, generous and compassionate man who encouraged everyone to trust in God and to live life! And that infectious laugh of his will be missed too. Jim is survived by his lovely wife, Lynn Ponzo, his children, Krista Lynn Deacon (Brian Gordon) and James Collins Ponzo (Stefanie); grandchildren Kaitlyn Rose Deacon, Andrew Fraser Deacon, Sydney Lorraine Gordon, Kasey Jane Gordon and James “JJ” Allan Ponzo; his siblings John L Ponzo (Cheryl), Kathryn Schmid (Stephen), Anne Schrishuhn (Dick), MaryBeth Witt (Michael), Shawn Lambert and Timothy Lambert and many nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his father, John F Ponzo, his mother, Kathleen Ponzo O’Neil, and his grandparents.

Services were held at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Twin Falls, Idaho on June 22, 2022. Jim will be inurned at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice in his honor.

Fair Winds and Following Seas!