James Dormer

Dormer, James John, Lt. Col (Ret). Passed away July 18, 2011. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on April 20, 1920, to John and Margaret Horn Dormer. He graduated from Hatboro High School (PA), where he was Captain of the football team and he played trumpet in the band. He graduated from Bloomsburg State Teachers College (PA) in 1948 with a BS in Education. He played varsity football for 2 years. He received his MBA in Management from Ohio State University in 1955. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps prior to 1941(Pearl Harbor), and became a cadet in the Air Force where he received his wings. He retired in 1967 as a Lt. Colonel. During those years (WWII—Korea—Vietnam) he flew over 70 military aircraft, (including test pilot during WWII.) On April 27, 1946, he married Doris Gummo in Harrisburg, PA, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral; they recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. From 1951-1952 he taught at his former high school, Hatboro High. Following retirement from the Air Force he taught for 17 yrs. locally at Largo High School), retiring in 1985. He also attended 1). Sophia University, Japan. 2) University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 3.) University of Detroit, MI 4.) St. Petersburg Jr. College, FL. He is survived by his loving wife Doris, his daughter: Darlene Schueler, and her children: Amber and Michael Schueler, son James W. and his children: Matthew and Brian Dormer. Also his great granddaughter: Aurora Schueler, as well as his sister in-law Valeria (Floe) Gummo (Clearwater), and Elizabeth (Betty)Dormer (Hatboro, PA.) James and family were members of Light of Christ Catholic Church, Clearwater, where Doris was Secretary for 16 yrs. They also attended St. Brenda’s Catholic Church. He was a member of: Military Officers Association,
AFA Air Force Assoc., Gen. Nathan Twining Chapter 7, Silner Wings Assoc.,
Air Resupply &Communication Assoc., Bloomsburg University Alumni Assoc.,
American Legion, Post 7, Turner, Brandon Assoc., North Pinellas County Retired Educators Assoc. Among his many enjoyments were flying, swimming, football, watching the incredible views from his home and sharing his memories of the people he met in his lifetime.
Donations may be made to a Kidney Foundation (Life Link in Tampa) where James received a kidney transplant in 1992.
A brief ceremony will be held Monday, July 25, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., at Bay Pines VA Memorial
A gathering of friends and family will take place at Light of Christ Catholic Church.

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