James Paul Costello
James Paul Costello, 82, of Harrison, Tennessee, died on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
The son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Costello, James was born in Atlantic City, NJ, where he grew up with his parents and grandparents, and held summer jobs on the famous boardwalk as a teenager. He joined the Army to “see the world” after graduating from Atlantic City High School. He lived off-base when stationed abroad in order to fully immerse himself in the local culture.
James served our country in the Army and Air Force for 23 years. He was stationed in many places around the world, including Spain, Germany, Belgium, Turkey, Johnston Island in the North Pacific, and multiple states in the U.S. throughout his military service. He retired from the Air Force in 1983 and transitioned to the civilian workforce as a telecom engineer with Sprint until his retirement.
He proudly volunteered at Memorial Hospital for over 20 years in three areas, surgery at the Atrium, Phase II at the Glenwood Campus, and endoscopy at Hixson. James was a graduate of the Chattanooga Citizen's Police Academy, a member of the Chattanooga Rifle Club, and former member of the Choo Choo Chorus men's choir. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a longtime and devoted parishioner at St. Stephen Catholic Church.
James was a lifelong learner and a lover of photography, nature, history, foreign languages, and astronomy. One of his favorite quotes was, "I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night." (Epitaph of unknown astronomer.)
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Theresia Costello; daughter, Laura Mildenberger and her husband, Juergen; and granddaughters, Allyson and Olivia Mildenberger.
The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 7111 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday with Father Manuel Perez officiating. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the U.S. Air Force.
Please visit www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com to share your memories of James.
Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.