The family of James Russell Lightfoot has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to honor their hero. We are proud and honored to participate.
Jim served his country in the United States Army from June 1961-June 1969. He was a platoon leader in 68th Armor, 8th Infantry Division. He was stationed in Mannheim , West Germany and at the of his Honorable Discharge he held the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
While serving in West Germany, our hero met the love of his life, Paula. She and a friend, who was from Jim's home town, were to travel around Germany and he was asked to guide them around the local sites. Paula's friend ended up not making the trip and Paula decided to travel on her own. Upon arrival she contacted Jim to see if he would still act as her tourist guide. He agreed and ultimately, down the road, they were wed.
Following his service to his country our hero served as a city planner for over 30 years. James is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Paula, two sisters, Linda and Kathy, two children, Corrinne and Colin and one granddaughter, Lydia.
Our mission will be to accompany our hero a short distance from the Reardon Simi Valley Funeral Home to Assumption Cemetery in Simi Valley to participate in his Final Military Honors.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to the cemetery. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Tuesday, 19 April 2022:0915- Stage at Reardon Simi Valley Funeral Home 2636 Sycamore Dr., Simi Valley, CA 93065
https://goo.gl/maps/adLq7WUdj2f5u9Fg80930 - Mission Briefing
1000 - Flag line for transfer of hero to awaiting coach.
1010 - KSU to Assumption Catholic Cemetery.
1380 Fitzgerald Road, Simi Valley, CA 93065
https://goo.gl/maps/DTu34rtHDMgbUrWW7R/C: Steve BlumenfeldSoCal PGR R/C
SSGT, USAF 1970-74
661-212-2284
steveb507alrpgr@gmail.com
You do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
