James "Gus" Gschwind passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at age 87. He was born on May 9, 1929 to J. Art and Marguerite Gschwind in LaCrosse, WI. He married his high school sweetheart on September 1, 1948 at Bolling AFB Washington DC Chapel, a marriage of 68 years. Survivors include his wife, Angeline Gschwind; his children, James Jr. (Vicki) of Pensacola, FL, Peggy (Charles) Higgins of Alamogordo, Richard of Bad Saulgau, Germany, Regina (William) Colbert of Alamogordo, and Rose Gschwind of Colorado Springs, CO; his sister, Sister Mary Ann Gschwind F.S.P.A., St. Rose Convent in LaCrosse, WI; grandchildren, James Julian Gschwind, Vanessa Murdoch, Jarod (Stephanie) Colbert, Jenna (Brinn) Jackson, Jeremy Colbert, Justin Colbert, Joseph Gschwind, Elisabeth (Nicole) Gschwind and Stephanie Gschwind ; as well as numerous great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Ann; his sister, Jeanine Hetherington; and his parents. Gus graduated in 1947 from Aquinas High School in LaCrosse, WI and joined the Air Force. He started his career at Bolling AFB, D.C., and then Andrews AFB, MD; The Pentagon, Pepperill AFB, St. John's, Newfoundland. He was assigned to the 95th Bomb Wing, Biggs AFB, TX as the Sgt. Major where they were honored with the premier showing of the movie "Strategic Air Command" which was spotlighted at the Historic Plaza Theater in El Paso, TX. He was then assigned to Systems Command under General Shriever followed by an assignment with the C-130 Capsule Snatcher program at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. This assignment involved the Air Force ship, Sunnyvale, which recovered the missed space capsules from the Pacific Ocean. His final assignment was as Sgt. Major of Systems Command at Holloman AFB, New Mexico. He then started a new career with the U.S. Postal Service, Holloman AFB, where he worked for 36 years retiring for the second time in 2005.Throughout his career he spent time as Eucharistic Minister and Lectoror - adding Bingo Caller to his list when we joined St. Jude Mission. He worked at Holloman NCO Open Mess and Bowling Alley - also taught Jr. Bowling. He played role of Santa at many bases...became Santa mailman at Holloman Post Office bringing home all letters to be answered by his family. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 34.Super celebrations of 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries at St. Jude's and 60th anniversary in Colorado Springs at famous Broadmoor Hotel. Many great memories, Gus had last Casino fling two weeks ago when daughter Rose surprised him with a visit. He will be remembered by his McDonald "Old Timer" coffee buddies and his grandsons made sure he did 5 am visits daily for a week, Alaska Cruise - European Trip, cross country travels, seeing all exciting places. Oh yes, he also Emceed "Angie's Hawaiian Revue" taking the entourage and equipment to various venues...can't forget at age 86 he won his first "new car", 50th anniversary 2015 Limited Edition Mustang GT on NM lottery - what a guy!! He always left you with a "Have a Happy...""Angel Blessings" to all the caregiver's at GCRMC through his last journey, you are all "Angels in disguise". Thank you!The Vigil with Rosary for James Gschwind will be recited at 9:15 am, Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at St. Jude Parish. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at St. Jude Parish with Father Tom Hoffman, Celebrant.Burial will follow at St. Jude Mission Columbarium. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.Should friends desire, contributions may be made to Parkinson Research Foundation at PDF.org. The Gschwind family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the services.To sign the online register book, please visit www.alamogordofuneralhome.org.