James Saler Obituary

James Phillip Saler, CW3, Ret., 40, of Pueblo West, Colorado a Tri-State CareFlight pilot, died in a helicopter crash near Mancos, Colorado, on June 30, 2005. Survived by his wife, Janet Byers Saler; daughters: Natalie, Danielle and Christine; parents, Marilyn and Lee Horn; father, James Saler; mother and father-in-law, Curt and Tonie Byers; sisters: Sharon Mancuoso and Lisa (Lawrence) Tachibana; and numerous other family members and friends. Jim was born March 11, 1965, in Orange, California, and graduated in 1983 from South Tahoe High School in South Lake Tahoe, California. He retired on June 30, 2005, as a Chief Warrant Officer 3, having served 20 years in the U.S. Army. He began his military career as an Infantryman, where he served in "Operation Just Cause" in Panama and "Operation Able Sentry" in Macedonia. In 1995, he was selected for Warrant Officer Candidate School. After graduation, he attended the Army Aviation Flight School at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Jim served two tours of duty in the Middle East, his most recent tour as a Medivac pilot with the 571st Med Company Air Ambulance from Fort Carson, Colorado. He served in "Operation Iraqi Freedom," returning back to Fort Carson in November 2003. An avid skier, he also loved spending time with his family, camping and fishing. He had a special talent for building furniture, cabinets and other woodcrafts. Jim touched the lives of many people. He was an inspiration and a role model to those who knew him. He was an individual who always put other's needs before his own. Becoming a pilot was his lifelong dream, and now his spirit will forever soar. You will always be in our hearts.We love you, Jim! A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2005, at the Montgomery & Steward Chapel, in Pueblo, with military honors by the Fort Carson Honor Guard. Online condolences, http://www.montgomerysteward.com.