Obituary of Lt Col James Arthur Warsinske, USAF,

James "Jim" Warsinske passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with Primary Progressive Aphasia, his wife Beverly by his side. Jim was born to Norman and Gladys Warsinske in Fargo, North Dakota where they briefly lived before moving West to Washington, Idaho and eventually settling in Billings, Montana. After graduation from Billings High School, Jim received a BA from the University of Washington on an athletic scholarship, where his passion for sports was demonstrated by his football career with the Washington Huskies. As a lifelong learner, he went on to earn a master's degree at Bridgewater State University and continued his advanced education working towards his doctorate at Texas Tech University & University of Denver. Jim met Beverly in 1957 and married in 1958. She was ever present by his side as he pursued his military career. Jim's twenty-four year career as a highly decorated officer in the US Air Force was rich with assignments from the 28th Bomb Squad Wing, Ellsworth AFB, the 26th Missile Squadron Otis AFB, the10th Headquarters Squadron 10th TacWing RAF Alconbury, England and the 620th Tac Control Squadron (PACF) DaNang and DongHa, Vietnam, where he received the Bronze Star for meritorious service. Academically, Jim served as Asst. Professor of Aerospace Studies ROTC, Texas Tech University and Registrar at AF Institute of Technology, Wright Patterson AFB, his military career culminating with his appointment as Director of Cadet Admissions, United States Air Force Academy from1976 until his retirement in 1982. After military retirement, Jim immediately began yet another career path, one in sports, beginning with his appointment as Director of Operations for the1983 National Sports Festival, followed by Director of International Programs US Olympic Committee; Head of Mission, USA Soccer 1984 Summer Olympics; General Manager, 1986 World Cycling Championships; Director, Colorado Sports Corporation and General Manager, 91st Jr. World Cycling Championship. In addition, he was a Member of the Bid Committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics; Executive VP, 1995 US Olympic Festival, as well as Director of Fund Development for the Colorado Springs World Arena, El Pomar Foundation 1998-2000. A Member of the Board of Directors for the Colorado Springs World Arena and the Air Force Academy Foundation, Jim was recognized for his life-long commitment to sports when inducted into the Sports Corp Hall of Fame in 2013, recipient of the prestigious Thayer Tutt Sportsman Award. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Norman Warsinske. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; their children, Melanie (Dan) Nuchols, James, Jr., Erin (Jonathan) Keeve; and their grandchildren, Whitney (Sean) Ayers, Danielle (Angelo) DelVerne, Tristan Myers and Brendan Myers; his younger brother, Thomas (Joanna) Warsinske; nephew, Tabb (Michelle) Warsinske; nieces, Dawn Ann (Trace) Ritter, Jennie (Mike) Buchkovich, and Emme Warsinske. Jim can easily be described by the mantra that permeated his life, "It's amazing what you can accomplish when you do not care who gets the credit". Humble to a fault and quiet in his pursuits, Jim spent a lifetime surrounded by friends and colleagues who admired and respected his generous nature. He adored his family, pets, the great outdoors and watching all sports, especially his beloved UW Huskies. He spent his free time with family and participating in a myriad of physical activities such as hiking, skiing, handball, squash, tennis, cycling, sailing and traveling. It is inadequate to say that Jim will be sorely missed by a family who loved him, his devoted friends and the community at large.Due to the pandemic, and for the health and respect of our family and friends, there will be no funeral service at this time. Memorial contributions in Jim's memory may be made to Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care: https://www.compassus.com/about-us/giving-and-donations or the Pikes Peak Humane Society: https://www.hsppr.org/donate/