Final Salute

James (Jim) V. Sisson was 88 years young when he peacefully entered eternal rest at home on Veterans Day, November 11, 2023, after a long illness.
Jim is survived by his wife, Nicholle Sisson; his sons, Robert Sisson (wife Betsy Sisson); their children (Ron and Amber) and John Sisson (wife Beverly Sisson); his grandchildren (Eddie and James). He will be missed by his wife’s children, Angela Ceccarini and Ron Ceccarini (wife Chris Ceccarini); and their children (Jack and Carly). Jim was preceded in death by his previous wife, Elaine.
Jim was a one-of-a-kind, honest, and loyal man who always had a smile and an opinion to share. Those who knew him well called him, “Chief” because of his Master Chief rank with the Navy. He had an illustrious Naval career and never bragged about any of his medals or accomplishments.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association (Seabee.org) or American Red Cross (redcross.org) in Jim’s memory.
Nicholle, his wife, shared, “I loved him with all my heart, and he made me the happiest woman in the world. We had so much fun together, whether we were dancing, kayaking, bike riding, or traveling. He was always giving back to the community through his volunteer work, and I admired him for that. He will always be my love.”
His son, Robert expressed his admiration, “I was always proud to have Jim my dad. He served in Vietnam, he worked at Camp David for two US Presidents, and he went to Antarctica twice! After the Navy, he was a teacher, did countless volunteering, and adopted cats from the newspaper. I was honored to be the best man at his wedding to Nicholle. I tried to call every week and visit him when I could. I remember how we went to Sweetie Pie’s restaurant on his birthday and a young lady who was working there remembered him from her school where he had been a teacher! That really says it all.”
Jim was born and raised in St. Louis, MO as an only child. He attended church with a neighbor that took him every week. This would become the North Star for his life of Service and Generosity.
Jim had a passion for baseball since childhood and auditioned for the St. Louis Browns team. Unfortunately, baseball was not his “calling,” so he enlisted in the US Navy in March 1958 and became a Seabee, serving for 30 years.
Jim contributed to various causes and organizations. The Methodist Church, CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation, Fleet Reserve Association, Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association, PBS, the St. Louis Zoo, the Clara Barton Society (American Red Cross), Volunteered at the Red Cross, Children’s Hospital, was a USO Member, ROTC, Sigma Nu Educational Foundation, AARP Free Tax preparation for Seniors, he was an election Poll Worker, and assisted other military families. He supported many charitable foundations, too many to list. Jim made a positive impact on many people through his generosity and his time.
He received numerous awards and honors for his Naval service:
– The Presidential Service Badge – under Jimmy Carter (39th President) and Ronald Reagan (40th President) at Camp David
– Antarctic Service Medal
– Navy Unit Commendation
– Navy Achievement Medal
– Navy Commendation W/1 Star
– Puerto Rico (Runway and Guided Housing Misson)
– RVN Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation
– RVN Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Action Medal
– Scotland Floating Dry Dock
– Sharpshooter M16 Rifle
– Meritorious Unit Commendation
– Chu Lai, Vietnam – Constructed Runways and Buildings
– Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
– Marksman Small Arms
– Seventh Good Conduct Award for period ending 85MAR17
– Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
– Diego Garcia Facility and Runway
– National Defense Service Medal
He retired from the Navy in July 1988, but remained committed to serving God, his country, and all people until his passing.
Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
by Mary Elizabeth Frye
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star-shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
We keep Jim alive in our memories and by honoring his legacy. Take comfort in knowing that he is resting peacefully in the Lord.

Psalm 23:6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Services: A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Friday, 01/05/2024 with a visitation at 10:30 am and service at 11:00 am at the Church of the Shepherd, 1601 Woodstone Drive, St. Charles, MO 63304. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.

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