James E. Sauer, 60, Mercy Flight, died in the line of duty as a result of a medical helicopter accident. As a 40-year US Army and NY Army National Guard veteran, he served multiple deployments to the Middle East for operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Restore Hope and Desert Storm. Jim’s honorable life of service, and aviation career, continued as a pilot for the New York State Police, Bill Law Aviation, and American Eagle. He served as a police officer for the Rochester and Holley Police Departments and was a volunteer firefighter. A passionate aviator, Jim found his love for flying at age 13 in the Civil Air Patrol. He was a mentor to many pilots. A selfless, dedicated professional, exceptional in everything he did, he is remembered as “an outstanding top-class aviator, individual and human” who “lived to fly and flew to live”. He especially appreciated the saying “the office is small, but the view is beautiful." He enjoyed farming, adventuring, trying new businesses and family. A man of faith, he was dedicated husband to his wife of 39 years, Marie, father to Joshua and Laura, grandfather of six, and a brother.
.jpg "James E. Sauer photo")
