James A. Casey

In loving memory of James A. Casey, born on July 10, 1934, in Rockville Centre, NY peacefully
passed away surrounded by his loved ones on January 20, 2024. James is survived by his
devoted wife of 65 years, Mary Jane (Lynch).
Together, they raised their four children in Smithtown, NY: James Jr. (deceased) (Merry), Kevin
(Pam), Karen (John), and Thomas (Debbie). James dedicated his free time to coaching his
children in youth sports.
A man of faith, deep love and cherished memories, James is lovingly remembered by ten
grandchildren: Stephen, Kevin, Doug, Kelly, Casey, Shannon, Tommy, Kaitlyn, James, Tyler
and thirteen great-grandchildren who affectionately called him Grandpa, Poppy, Jimbo, and
Baga.
Survived by two siblings, Daniel and Jacqueline (Bormann), and numerous nieces and
nephews, James worked as an electrical engineer at Grumman Aerospace. His legacy includes
his team’s work on the Lunar Excursion Module, “LEM” a module of the 1969 Apollo 11 which
was the first crewed spacecraft to operate exclusively in the airless vacuum of space. James
and his team built the landing radar for the LEM which told the LEM how far it was from the
moon’s surface. His efforts allowed Commander Neil A. Armstrong and LEM pilot "Buzz" Aldrin,
Jr., to become the first men to walk on the Moon.
James found great joy in family gatherings at his lake house in Ludlow, Vermont, where he
fished, boated, golfed, played tennis and even skied into his 80s. He was a member of The
Knights of Columbus . His Catholic faith and family were cornerstones of his life.
A life well-lived, James leaves behind a legacy of wit, wisdom, and warm companionship. He
will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.