James Vasilko
Life Member Post 8466 - Marines
1944 - 2025: Retired Sergeant Major James Allen Vasilko (Jim) passed away on 14 January 2025. His life was one of service. He enlisted in the Marine Corps a mere three days after his 17th birthday, and his career in the Corps spanned thirty years.
After retiring from the Marine Corps, he moved to Ripley, Tennessee, the hometown of his wife, Rose. He attended the University of Tennessee, Martin, where he received a BA degree in Education. That led to him teaching science at Ripley High School for twelve years.
Wake Forest, where two of their four children, and their youngest grandchildren lived, called Jim and Rose after he retired from teaching. He became very active in the community at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church, participating in many of the church's ministries. He achieved the 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus and was active in the Marine Corps League, the VFW and the American Legion.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rose, his children, grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
