James Mancini
1910 - 2001
As a youth Jim was quite adventuresome. He loved travel and often chose to hop trains instead of attending school. His parents - honest, hard-working Italian immigrants struggling to make ends meet - had no tolerance for "playing hooky" and young Jim was subject to their harsh discipline all too often.
Uncertain of his future but fueled by a restless nature, Jim ventured out on his own at a young age with only a 5th grade education. With his charming personality he always managed to land work to keep him going during his travels. He went to Italy and engaged in push-cart sales for a few years before venturing to California where he toiled for several more years; "never amounting to very much" he revealed in a letter to home. At his lowest point he found himself sleeping on the streets. Nonetheless, his spirit shined bright, and he kept plugging away.
The turning point in Jim's life came In 1940 when Jim payed a visit to his brother Larry who was serving in the U.S. Army at Ft. Lewis, Washington. Inspired by his visit, Jim enlisted in the Marine Corps a few days later. While on active duty, he met and married his beloved wife Ruth. After four years of service at various commands, Jim was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as a Sergeant and for the next several years he worked as a salesman.
In 1950 Jim landed a Civil Service position with the Defense Department of the Army. A year later he was promoted to a senior Government Inspector's position; inspecting industrial plants that were manufacturing defense products.
In 1960 Jim's star ascended quickly . He was offered a position in Los Angeles CA aiding the Space Race as an Industrial Specialist with the U.S. Air Force Systems Command - Space Systems Division, which later became known as the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO).
Working on the General's staff, Jim and his team were responsible for the procurement, development, testing and launch of NASA's Atlas launch vehicles - former Atlas ICBM's the Air Force modified to serve as space boosters.
The Atlas gave birth to the several varieties of Standard Launch Vehicle 3. Upper stages such as the Agena, the Burner II, and the Stage Vehicle System were developed for use with this vehicle. The Atlas Centaur (SLV-3C) was Jim's baby and it quickly earned a reputation as "America's workhorse in Space".
During his decade-long tenure with SAMSO, Jim contributed to dozens of NASA missions, including the historic one's at above left. Jim spoke in his letter of his beloved wife Ruth: "she supported me with her deep love and prayers and accompanied me as often as possible on my tours of duty and seminars in various cities including Syracuse NY. (Where our guidance system - telemetry was manufactured by G.E.)"
In 1970, Jim retired with honor after completing nearly 25 years of Government service. He enjoyed his retirement years by golfing with his Air Force pals and being an active communicant of St. Pius V Catholic Church in Buena Park, CA
Remembered as a true gentleman, Jim was kind, modest, quick with a joke and a smile and eager to help others. He loved children and served as a close-up role model for several students at St. Pius V School.
My Great Uncle James Mancini entered into eternal rest at age 91 in the year 2001. A mass of Christian burial was held for him at St. Pius V, where I had the honor of eulogizing him.
- Mark Ferri
James Contributed To:
Click article and photos below to enlarge
May 5, 1961, Alan Shepard: First American in space: (suborbital flight).
Mercury 6:
February 20, 1962, John Glenn: First American in earth orbit
Apollo 11:
July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong:First human to set foot on the Moon's surface.
Mariner 9:
May 30, 1971
The first spacecraft to orbit another planet.
(Mars)
Uncle Jim and Aunt Ruth in front of their
car and home in Anaheim, CA. - 1961
Click photos to enlarge
General Wilson and family
Lt. Gen. Samuel C. Phillips (USAF), Commander of the Space and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO)
from Colonel Bud
Uncle Jim and my paternal Grandmother Anna (Mancini) Ferri
Uncle Jim at age 9 with sisters Mary and Anna (chair) and parents Maria-Antonia and Pietro Mancini - 1919
L-R Carmela, Mary, Jim, Sylvia, Anna
