James V. Emery of Phoenix passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on August 11, 2020. He was born in Glendale, California, on November 10, 1950, and moved to Arizona as a precocious child in 1956. After graduating from Arcadia High School in 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and subsequently attended Jump School and Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. As an officer in the 82nd Airborne Division, he served his country in Vietnam.
Once Jim (aka “Airborne”) returned home, he enrolled in Arizona State University, became a proud member of Sigma Chi fraternity, and earned his undergraduate and law degrees from ASU. Meanwhile, he continued to serve in the Army Reserve, primarily in Military Intelligence (which we contended was an oxymoron), and while awaiting the results of the bar exam, Jim attended the Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. (And, no, not the penitentiary!)
He fortunately passed the bar and pursued a career as a Prosecutor with the City of Tempe, Arizona. After many years of service, Jim retired from the Reserves at the rank of Lt. Col., and he retired from the City of Tempe in 2003 as the Senior City Prosecutor.
Jim possessed a keen intellect and a wicked sense of humor. He was a voracious reader and student of history. He was a big man with an even bigger heart, but he did not suffer fools gladly. Jim loved his family and friends, boxer dogs, cats with personalities (good or bad), an epic joke (clean or otherwise), a good Irish, or Scotch whisky and his pick-up truck, although not necessarily in that order.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Van Emery and Shirley (Gray) Emery as well as his grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Jim is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Shirlee and John Blount of Flagstaff, Becky, and Bill Montgomery, Will and Maddie of Chandler, plus numerous friends, Army buddies, his Sigma Chi brothers, and drinking pals. We are comforted and gratified by the outpouring of love and support by friends from all phases of his life.
Because of the current restrictions due to COVID-19, no memorial service is planned at this time. For now, please just raise a glass to Jim.
According to his wishes, Jim’s final resting place will be the Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, Arizona.
Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Arizona State University SANDRA DAY O’CONNOR COLLEGE OF LAW at (480) 965-3096. Jim has established a scholarship in his name, which will aid law students and with a preference toward veterans.
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Lisa Olson
RIP Jim, I am sure going to miss you!!!!! Praying that you didn’t suffer my friend. Xo
Nathan Porter
I will miss Jim’s big heart, his dedication to service and his loyalty and kindness to his friends. I had the pleasure of working with him at the Prosecutor Office and I am grateful to him for teaching me about criminal law and for respecting my abilities. I can just see him buying a round for fellow vets and lawyers in that big pub in the sky.
Anita Coronado
I do not have the words.
Jim was a great person to know and he was an even better friend to me in the prosecutors office. I worked for Jim many years and he always made me laugh. My favorite memories will be his crazy jokes and funny quips.
I will miss him dearly.
Rest In Peace, Jim.
Cheers to you, always.
Anita
THOMAS W. FARMER, MAJ, (Ret.), USA
AIRBORNE and ALL THE WAY, SIR! We are better for your presence and your leadership.
Patrick McGinnis
I knew James Emery when we both attended Arcadia high school. I considered him a really good friend. I was glad to see him at the 40 year Arcadia high school reunion. He should be very satisfied with all of the impressive accomplishments he made during his life.
Larry Randall
Our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss of Jim. He has touched a great many of us. I knew Jim from the City of Tempe, Bandersnatch and the William Bloys American Legion Post #2 in Tempe. Our prayers go out to family and other friends.
Dean isaac
Jim and I attended Arcadia high school and served together in the 277th Military Intelligence Detachment (USAR). I will always remember Jim as a nice and caring person. RIP.
L. Andrew Smith
James Vance (Airborne) Emery, a true friend,
He shared his thoughts and feelings freely;
He advised justly;
He was always ready to provide assistance;
He shared adventures boldly;
He was patient;
He was a courageous defender;
And he is still our brother and friend as death can’t kill friendship because it is immortal.
Godspeed, Airborne.
Richard parker
Jim, I will miss your story telling, you were the best. Your endless wit, always called things the way they were, NO FILTER! incredibly intelligent, and a soft heart. Love you Jim, rest well, have a Middletons shot with Jack & Bonnie & Neil.
Michelle Lally Young
I grew up across the street from Jim. I went to Ingleside and Arcadia with him. I am sad to say I only saw him once after we graduated at one of the reunions. I was so sorry to read of his passing. He was such a nice guy and so accomplished. I did not realize he had gone to Viet Nam or was in the service. I knew he was an attorney though.
Rest in Peace Jim. We all had such fun playing in the streets after school, the Allens, J. Naylor, B. Albright, the Cassidy girls and the Lally girls. It was a great neighborhood to grow up in and you were one of the reasons….
Michelle Lally Young
Pete and Ellen Ottosen
We lived across the street from Jim in the Arcadia area when he was young. We enjoyed knowing him and watching him. He was a joy. We wish we had seen more of him his later life. We send our condolences to his family. He was one of a kind. We send hugs to the family.
Bob Saigh
Helluva thing, Big Kid, happening to notice and reading your obit in today’s Republic; I can hear you now – “Joke’s on you! Deal with it!” Guess I’ll have to, but what a shock, the always here and there presence you were since our meeting at Ft. Benning’s Officer Candidate School in early ‘69, you the lankiest, youngest (18) and one of the more determined in the class. The elders particularly tested you, “Can this baby-faced kid be a US Army 2nd Lt. in wartime (Vietnam)?,” so you did what you do with your blend of focus, smarts, will, guts and just showed ‘em – Yes!, hands damn down! After service, we each returned home, you to Phoenix, me to Chicago, you in Reserves, me Not, but remarkably we stayed in touch over the decades, and moreso lately with my arrival/retirement four years ago in Phoenix, where we visited, phoned and emailed (harassed) one another, but not enough, I now see, and that’s on me. I’ll greatly miss the stories, arguments, lectures, fact-checks, jokes, tricks and other surprises that made you You, the Big Little touches, like your annual Christmas card. Thoughtful, all of it, thank you again, Sir. I’ll move along now, soldier, with you in mind, of course, toasting you and hoping we’ll somehow have a leisurely “sit ‘n’ shoot” again. Thank you for your Big Presence, Kid. Peace.
Randy Fougner
Jim was a great prosecutor to work with always supporting the PD. He was a good friend and always had a story and a joke to share. I will miss the occasional lunch we shared after I retired and the way you always twisted your mustache. Rest In Peace my friend.
Richard DeGear
I am one of the many Sigma Chi members who has the honor to call Jim (aka Airborne) Emery my brother. He embodied the true spirit of Sigma Chi throughout his life. He was always there when a brother needed a hand and usually included a snide remark that only endeared him to us all. His quick wit was a joy to embrace and most certainly will be missed. The White Cross Of Sigma Chi has gained new luster from his life. RIP my brother.