James Regner, 96, of Huntersville, NC, passed away peacefully on October 29th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
His laughter could fill a room as he drew you close with stories of love and adventure. He never lacked for material as he lived an incredible life serving in the US Air Force, working as a NASA engineer, and later captaining his beloved fishing charter boat on Lake Erie. It’s no wonder he made friends wherever he went.
Born and raised on the Eastside of Cleveland, OH, Jim developed a fascination with aeronautics at an early age. One of his fondest childhood memories was attending the National Air Races and getting to walk inside the airplane hangars. That early passion shaped a remarkable 33-year career in flight research and engineering.
In 1950, Jim met the love of his life, Sue, while she was vacationing with her family at Kiwanis Lake, Ohio. They married on September 6, 1952, and recently celebrated 73 years together. The couple built a life raising four children: Bonnie, Shari, Karen, and Mike. Together, they built a legacy of kindness, humor, and faith, reminding everyone around them of the importance of respect, laughter, and always saying “I love you.”
Jim worked a variety of jobs—from lifeguard to steel mill worker, but his most accomplished position was with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA. Jim was on the ground floor of getting a man on the moon, playing a role in many pivotal projects during America’s early space efforts, including unmanned lunar landings, Mariner probes, the Atlas-Centaur rocket program, contributing to the Mercury and Apollo launches. He often joked that Sue, who worked as a secretary at NACA, had a higher security clearance than he did.
His career path was briefly paused when he enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Serving with the 433rd Troop Carrier Wing, he crewed a C-119 “Flying Boxcar,” transporting paratroopers and supplies across Europe, North Africa, and beyond.
After retiring from NASA in 1981, Jim found a new calling as captain of his fishing boat, Danny Boy, spending 20 happy years on the water. At the same time, he and Sue managed swim centers for Holiday Inn and taught swim and lifeguard classes.
Hands down, one of his favorite places to be was on the golf course with friends and family. He occasionally shot his age well into his 80’s. Amazingly, his last sunny, warm day on the course was a week before his passing.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Sue, their four children, fourteen grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Papa GG”, as well as countless friends whose lives he touched with his generosity and spirit.
He will be remembered for his brilliant mind, adventurous heart, and deep love for his family, friends and country.
Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all who knew him.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 6, 2025 will begin at 12:45 PM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church Denver, NC.
Jim will be laid to rest on Monday, December 8, 2025 at 12:30pm at Salisbury National Cemetery. Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Air Force.
All are welcomed to attend both the Funeral Mass and burial at Salisbury National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name may be made to Richard’s Coffee Shop and Living Military Museum also known as the “most patriotic coffee shop in America” located in Mooresville, NC. This organization is also actively involved with Toys for Tots, Blue Star Mothers, Flight of Freedom, Honor Flights, Daughters of the American Revolution, Marine Corps League, Patriot League, American Legion, Purple Heart Homes, and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. Due to growth of their organization, they are currently raising funds to upgrade their museum to improve services to both Veterans and the community. To make a donation, please visit https://www.welcomevets.com/
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