Ocean County Army Pilot Dies In Kentucky Helicopter Crash

BURLINGTON, NJ - James J. (Jimmy) Casadona Jr. was only 28 when he was killed in an Army AH-64 Apache helicopter crash during a training flight at Fort Campbell, Kentucky on April 6.

Casadona, a former Marine and an Army Warrant Officer, died in the accident with the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. His name will be added to the New Jersey Run For The Fallen Wall of Honor, according to the group's Facebook page.

A gofundme account has been set up for his family to help pay for his funeral expenses and their travel expenses to attend the funeral.

"The thoughtfulness, the kind messages of support for the family, and amazing generosity has been overwhelming," according to the gofundme post. "The family is beginning to use the funds we have raised, to assist with funeral services, family travel arrangements for the services and related memorials in Jimmy's memory. I'm keeping this campaign going until after he is laid to rest at the end of next week. Any funds above what is needed in the immediate future for services etc. will be put to good use in honoring his memory."

Here is his obituary, courtesy of the Tilghman Funeral Home

James “Jimmy” J. Casadona, Jr. went to be with the Lord on April 6, 2018 as a result of a training accident with the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. He was 28.

Jimmy was born on March 29, 1990 in Trenton. He enlisted on February 13, 2012 in the United States Marine Corps, where he served for four years. During his last year in the Marine Corps, he successfully applied to become an Army Aviator. After receiving his discharge from the United States Marine Corps, he attended Warrant Officer Candidate School and Initial Entry Rotary Wing Training at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. He was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he served as a pilot in the 1-101st Aviation Regiment.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, US Army Service Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Basic Parachutist Badge, US Army Aviator Badge and the Army Commendation Medal.

Jimmy is survived by his mother Cheri Kelcourse and Roy Baker of West Allenhurst, New Jersey; his father James Casadona and wife Kim of Delray Beach, Florida; his sister Lauren Dean and husband Josiah; his sister Kristen Casadona; his three adored nieces; along with several other loving family members and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 27 at the Fountain of Life Church, 2035 Columbus Road in Burlington and again on Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. His funeral will begin at 11 a.m. at the church.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Tilghman Funeral Home. Jimmy was always one to put others before himself. Honoring that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to assist several family members and his fellow service members to offset travel cost for those who are traveling to attend services. If you would like to donate, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/army-cwo-casadona-memorial .

Photos: first photo, courtesy of gofundme.com. second photo, courtesy of Tilghman Funeral Home.