James. G. Tomusko, 78, Decorated U.S. Army Veteran

Jim was a 1966 graduate of Clearview High School.

He went on to serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and fulfilled duty assignments as a Sergeant attached to the Long-range Reconnaissance Motorcycle Patrol in Southeast Asia; the group’s mission, regarded as an experiment at the time, was to use 175 cc motorcycles in the dense jungles and marshy trails to gather intelligence for the coordination of artillery and airstrikes. Jim was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with one Overseas Service Bar, and the Vietnam Service Medal with three Campaign Stars.

Jim was featured prominently in the May 2, 1969 edition of Time Magazine in an article entitled “And Then There Was A Vroom”. The piece focused specifically on the personnel who comprised the long-range motorcycle reconnaissance patrol of the 25th Infantry Division known as Nam’s Angels. In addition, Jim was also featured in the “Ranger” series of books written by military historian and author James R. Arnold.

He had been employed in retail grocery for more than three decades working primarily as produce manager and a member of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 880. Jim loved all sports and was an avid fan of the N.H.R.A. and former top-fuel driver Shirley “Cha Cha” Muldowney. Known as an animal lover at heart, he was the owner of six cats along with his beloved German Shepherd, Keno. In addition Jim was a Harley Davidson enthusiast who enjoyed riding his vintage Harley whenever possible.

Survivors include brothers Gerald [Tunney] Tomusko (Susan) and Bob Tomusko (Debbie), along with sisters Linda Boyle, Deborah Post (Mike), Catherine Tomusko, and Sandra Mascaro (John). He also leaves an extensive extended family.

The Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel will announce details regarding the time and date for the celebration of Jim’s life once details have been finalized.