April 25, 2023
USNPAA Plankowner & Life Member
The Passing of James D. Hessman
Dear Members:
I am saddened to report the passing of Mr. Jim Hessman, a dear friend of the U.S. Navy and USNPAA member.
Jim served as editor-in-chief of Sea Power magazine from 1972-2005. He served in the Navy for 13 years and was senior editor of Armed Forces Journal for six years before moving over to Sea Power.
Jim had an incredible understanding of the Navy. He understood its challenges and conveyed them so well and so professionally in the magazine. Jim was simply a talented writer and editor and just an extraordinary advocate of the sea services. In addition to his interviews with countless flag officers and senior Navy officials, Jim even interviewed the President of the United States. His articles and editorials have been published in The Congressional Record and/or reprinted by the senior service war colleges.
From a personal perspective, I will always remember Jim for what he was—not just a talented writer/editor and Navy advocate but a gentleman of the first order. Being around him when there was a crisis of some sort, one found a calmness and a bit of serenity. His kind personality and demeanor allowed you to take a breath and find a way to address the problem.
Jim was predeceased by his wife, Mary Carroll, and his second wife, Elizabeth. He is survived by his six children, nine grandchildren, seven great children, a sister and many loving nephews and nieces.
A viewing will be held at the Kalas Funeral Home, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD on Wednesday, 26 April from 1800-2000. A Catholic Mass will be offered at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8908 Old Branch Ave., Clinton, MD on Thursday, 27 April, at 1100. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Father Michael Kelley, St. Martin of Tours Church, 1908 N. Capitol St. NW, Washington, DC 20002.
Rest in peace, Jim.
Tom Jurkowsky
President
More Notes from the Admiral
USNPAA Plankowner & Life Member
The Passing of James D. Hessman
Dear Members:
I am saddened to report the passing of Mr. Jim Hessman, a dear friend of the U.S. Navy and USNPAA member.
Jim served as editor-in-chief of Sea Power magazine from 1972-2005. He served in the Navy for 13 years and was senior editor of Armed Forces Journal for six years before moving over to Sea Power.
Jim had an incredible understanding of the Navy. He understood its challenges and conveyed them so well and so professionally in the magazine. Jim was simply a talented writer and editor and just an extraordinary advocate of the sea services. In addition to his interviews with countless flag officers and senior Navy officials, Jim even interviewed the President of the United States. His articles and editorials have been published in The Congressional Record and/or reprinted by the senior service war colleges.
From a personal perspective, I will always remember Jim for what he was—not just a talented writer/editor and Navy advocate but a gentleman of the first order. Being around him when there was a crisis of some sort, one found a calmness and a bit of serenity. His kind personality and demeanor allowed you to take a breath and find a way to address the problem.
Jim was predeceased by his wife, Mary Carroll, and his second wife, Elizabeth. He is survived by his six children, nine grandchildren, seven great children, a sister and many loving nephews and nieces.
A viewing will be held at the Kalas Funeral Home, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD on Wednesday, 26 April from 1800-2000. A Catholic Mass will be offered at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8908 Old Branch Ave., Clinton, MD on Thursday, 27 April, at 1100. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Father Michael Kelley, St. Martin of Tours Church, 1908 N. Capitol St. NW, Washington, DC 20002.
Rest in peace, Jim.
Tom Jurkowsky
President
More Notes from the Admiral