Unfortunately, we said our GOOD-BYS to another retired Federal Firefighter, this one, I think before his time. Jim Christiansen was born just 54 years ago, in Oakland, on March 17, 1950. After serving in the Air Force, and working for the U.S.Forest Service, Jim came to work for the Miramar Fire Department until he retired. The service was solemn and tearful at the beginning, but after hearing about Jim's life, you had to smile. Jim had a wonderful sense of humor and a dedication to family and the fire service, and everyone that knew him testified to those attributes during the service. MCAS Fire Chief Jerry Sack after working with Jim for only a relatively short time most eloquently described Jim the Firefighter. (A copy of the Eulogy is in the attached file.)

Jim is survived by his daughter Julia, and his brother Robert.

A crowd of (approximately 150) people turned out to honor Jim Christiansen's life & career. Among the attendees included a group of retired federal firefighters.

The Federal Fire Department Honor Guard, led by Captain Thomas St. Martin, and consisting of Firefighter Sam Freeman, Captain James Hartman & Captain John Nathaniel). were very professional & respectful, as always.

The San Diego Emerald Society Bagpipers led the uniformed firefighter's into the church.

The alter where Jim's ashes rested during the services was adorned with flowers and pictures of Jim along with his Helmet, turnout jacket, boots and fire department memorabilia. The back of the room was a display of pictures of Jim during his full and happy life.

After the services Jim took a last ride on the MCAS Miramar Fire Engine BR-62, with his daughter Julie and Brother Robert. Chief Sack was adamant about using the "Brush Rig" for Jim's Final ride. Refreshments were served after the services, where people mingled and spoke fondly of their association with Jim.


UNION TRIBUNE

JAMES CHRISTIANSEN
March 17, 1950-Feb. 11, 2005
James Christiansen, 54, of Ramona died Friday. He was born in Oakland and was a retired San Diego federal firefighter.
He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War.
He is survived by a daughter, Julie, and a brother, Robert of Winchester.
Services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Mountain View Community Church, 1171 Meadowlark Way, Ramona.
Inurnment: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Point Loma.
Donations: American Heart Association, 3640 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103.
Arrangements: Bonham Bros. & Stewart Mortuary.

Copied from the San Diego Union

EVOLA, ANGELO A Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, 2005 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Angelo Evola, age 85 passed away on January 27, in San Diego, Ca. He is survived by his loving wife Betty of 58 years; four children, Faye Evola-Gilmour, Mary Van Syoc, Julian Evola, and Lisa Ralyea; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Born in Detroit, Michigan on June 22, 1918, Angelo grew up in an immigrant Italian family. He was educated by Jesuit priests and continued his education at Cornwall Catholic Seminary. Angelo became a firefighter for the Detroit fire department. He developed a passionate interest in the firefighting profession. He was then drafted into Patton's 3rd Army in WWII and he was a proud veteran who loved his country. After the war, he married and moved to California and worked as a firefighter for the Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI). Angelo will be remembered for his love of life, family, tennis, books, education and daily bicycle rides to the library at San Diego State University. He will be in our hearts forever. Donations can be made in Angelo's name to the San Diego Hospice Foundation, 4311 Third Ave., San Diego, Ca 92103-7499.

Well it was a windy / cloudy morning at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. A crowd [70] of folks turned out to honor Capt. Evola's life & career. The DOD Honor Guard Detachment were very professional & respectful. The FFD contingent of Engine 12 Crew & The FFD Honor guard + B/C were extremely important to the Family.The FFD were very respectful & extremely professional. Captain Evola made his final ride in Engine 12 with his son Julian.

Thanks to Captain Lopez & the crew for their efforts as well as B/C Uribe & Captain J.D.Hartman.The FFD Honor Guard [Tom St.Martin,John Nathaniel & Sam Freeman] had prepared the sight with complete turn outs & helmet & accepted Angelo's ashes & placed them on the alter. A eulogy of Captain Evola's life had been prepared by his son was read. The Minister made a few comments & prayers. The DOD Color Guard folded the flag & presented it to Mrs. Evola followed by the FFD Color Guard who presented a flag to the family. Taps were rendered.

Fellow retiree's & co-workers of Captain Evola were present to honor his many years. Mike Daleo,J.R.Schmidt,G.J.Coulson,Lloyd Stout & Dorothy & myself.

A reception was held after the service at Admiral Baker Field Golf Course Club House.

The family were very pleased with the support offered by the Fire Department.

Respectfully
Howard Gillins

Wayne A. Jebb Obituary - Union Tribune

JEBB, WAYNE A. Wayne A. Jebb, 58, was born in Oakland, California October 4, 1946 and departed this earth on October 31, 2004 from anaplastic thyroid cancer, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Wayne was the son of Robert and Marilyn Jebb. Upon graduating from Kearny High school in San Diego and shortly afterwards enlisted in the United States Army. He did two tours of duty in Germany and one tour in Vietnam. Upon completion of his military obligation, Wayne became a Federal Fire Fighter and recently retired after 34 years of service. He spent much of those years as a fire fighter at Ream Airfield in Imperial Beach and San Clemente Island Fire Department located 70 miles off the coast of California. He was an avid deepwater fisherman and skin diver and he kept his friends and family well stocked in fresh sea food. But his greatest passion was his family. He will be sorely missed by his loving and devoted wife, Mary Lu, and his five children, Brenda, Jade, Jessica, Erin and Relaina. Services will be held on November 5, 2004 at 9:30 a.m. at Miller-Jones Mortuary, 26770 Murrietta Road, Sun City, California 92586.

Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune on 11/5/2004.

Patrick Joseph McCarthy

McCARTHY PATRICK JOSEPH June 20, 1925 to Oct. 22, 2004 Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Friend Retired Federal Firefighter, NAS North Island. Survived by Charlene McCarthy, his wife of 55 years. Daughter Jody (Mike) Denton and their children Stephanie (Paul) Crawford and Jonathan (Ashley) Denton. Daughter Pattsy McCarthy and her children Sarah (Samuel) Ward and JJ (Denisse) Buie. Daughter Susan (Larry) Grimm. Cremation pending. At his request, there will be no service.

Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune on 10/26/2004.

Jerry Paul Hemphill Jr.

JERRY PAUL HEMPHILL JR. September 5th, 1953 to September 30th, 2006 Jerry Hemphill 53 of Santee, died Saturday after an 18 Month battle with lung cancer. He was born in Fort Bragg, N.C. and grew up in Wisconsin. He spent 7 years in the United States Navy, serving in the Vietnam War. After leaving the service, he moved to San Diego and served 25 years as a Federal Firefighter. He was on a Strike Team during the Cedar Fire of 2003. He enjoyed working on cars, restoring the older ones, including the 1967 Chevy Nova SS, which he was unable to finish, due to his health. Survivors include his wife Barbara (Carteron), Sons, Aaron age 15, Ryan age 12 and Cory age 7, a sister, Denise Lameer of Wisconsin, an aunt, Laveeda Smith if Iowa and his wife's family all in the San Diego area. Jerry will be remembered by those he left behind as the best; father, friend, neighbor, nephew and brother anyone could ask for.

Services will be haeld at Santee Untied Methodist Church, 8964 N. Magnolia Ave. Santee, CA 92071

All off duty personnel are encourged to attend in their Class "C" Uniforms

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