James Vickaryous

August 12, 1939 - January 15, 2026 During a rare Arctic blast of air, James Anthony Vickaryous, 86, passed away surrounded by family at Avow Hospice in Naples, Florida on January 15, 2026. Jim was born in Wasilla, Alaska, August 12, 1939, to Anthony "Tony” & Alys (Sourdiff) Vickaryous, Alaska Colony Project settlers coming to Alaska, long before statehood. Jim started as point guard for Wasilla H.S. (‘57) and sang tenor in the University of Alaska Fairbanks (‘61) Choir of the North. In 1964 Jim met the love of his life, Catherine Lonieski, at a beach party at the Coronado Island Naval Air Station Officer’s Club. Jim asked her to dance, and Cathie said “Yes!”. The Navy nurse and pilot fell in love and wed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Long Island, NY, September 3,1966. They continued dancing together for 59 years. A daredevil carrier pilot, Jim tried to impress his bride by flying Cathie under the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Serving in the US Pacific Fleet during the Vietnam War, he was regularly sought out by Navy Seal teams for his fearless piloting skills in covert night insertions into Cambodia and Laos. He was forever a patriot, devoted to God, his country, and his family. In 1967 Jim & Cathy became Alaskan dairy farmers, operating Cottonwood Dairy Farm, Alaska’s largest dairy located on the Palmer-Wasilla Road. Jim was a board member of the Matanuska-Susitna Electric Association and lost by just a few votes while running for Alaska State House. Jim, Cathie, and their four young sons moved to Naples, FL, in August 1977. In five decades as a Neapolitan running businesses and having various jobs, Jim never missed a son’s Barron Collier High School football game or any important family milestone. Jim organized Barron Collier HS’s first Project Graduation in 1986, a dry high school graduation party, a tradition which survives him. Jim was a faithful Christian, helping to found St. Williams Catholic Church of Naples, FL, donating building funds, was active in the Knights of Columbus, regularly attended Mass, encouraged his sons to be altar boys and developed their faith in Christ. Jim traveled the world, but especially enjoyed RVs, and visited all 50 states. Jim drove his family round trip from Naples to Alaska five times. In his later years, Jim sang tenor and traveled the country with the Naval Aviation Alumni Choir (he had been a Naval Aviation Choir tenor while a Naval Aviator). Jim will be dearly missed, as he was present for all family events and grandchildren’s milestones. Preceding Jim in death was his brother, Clarence John “Sonny” Vickaryous; sisters, Rose Marie “Tiny” DePriest, Geraldine Mary “Gerry” Patrick & Tonia Ann Vickaryous. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Catherine Stella Vickaryous; four sons James G. Vickaryous (Jen Ferguson), Dr. Brian Vickaryous (Janice), Charles Vickaryous (Pamela), & Dr. Joseph Vickaryous (Marie-Gabrielle). Jim was most proud of and loved his 11 grandchildren: Dr. Kailee, Alexa, Katherine, Malia, Morgan, Matthieu, Evan, Josephine, Molly, Irelyn & Keira. All are invited to Jim’s funeral Mass at St. Williams Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, reception following immediately in the church reception hall. Donations in Jim’s memory are welcome to the Knights of Columbus St. Williams Council #10757, 601 Seagate Dr., Naples, FL 34108.