James Mazza Obituary

James Mazza, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, entered eternal life with Jesus on December 3, 2015. He passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his home at the age of 87.

James was born in Everson, West Virginia on February 26, 1928 to Dominick and Jeneve Mazza, both Italian immigrants. He grew up in and around Fairmont, West Virginia and graduated from Monongah High School in 1946. He graduated from West Virginia University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and from West Virginia College of Law in 1953 with a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree.

He was commissioned through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps on May 24, 1950. He attended Air Command and Staff College in 1964-1965 and The Hague Academy of International Law in 1974. James served his country for 28 years as a JAG in the United States Air Force in various positions and locations including Assistant Staff Judge Advocate at Ramstein AFB, Germany; Associate Professor of Law at the USAF Academy in Colorado; and Chief, International Law, HQ USAF. He retired from the Air Force in 1982 and worked as Vice President and General Counsel at Affiliated National Bank in Colorado Springs.

James is survived by his wife, Virginia, his four children, Michael (Michelle), Gregory (Tracy), Patrick (Suzanne), Susan (Doug); eight grandchildren, Jessica, Jamie, Christopher, Cody, Meghan, Andrew, Luke and Katlyn; and three great-grandchildren, Ashlyn, Oliver and Eli.

James will be best remembered for his love of God and his family, and his passion for cooking and his enjoyment of playing golf at the United States Air Force Academy.

A Memorial service will be held on Friday, December 11, 2015 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 2650 Parish View, Colorado Springs, CO at 2:00 PM.

Burial with full military honors will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Monday, December 14 at 11:30 a.m.