Jose C. Cabanillas II Memorial Celebration

Jim Zimmerman and Jerry Mackey contributed this post:

On a clear, beautiful and warm September afternoon, Dorothy Cabanillas and her family hosted a "Celebration of Life" for Husband, Dad, Grand-father and Classmate, Jose Clemente Cabanillas, II. They chose their beautiful home in Orange Park, FL for an out-door picnic event. Lots of friends, neighbors, family and '54 classmates contributed to honor Jose's extraordinary life with tributes, favorite poems, appropriate Navy music, including the Navy hymn "Eternal Father" ..... strong to save ..... followed by the USNA anthem "Navy Blue & Gold". At a very opportune point during the observance, an eagle swooped over a near by cloud, reminding us that Jose was there with us, demonstrating his outstanding aviator skills.  It was a wonderful way of sending Jose off. ‘54 attendees included Frank Caroccio, Bill Daniels & Joan, John Paul Jones & Winkie, Jerry Mackey & Connie, Jim Moore, Tom Watson & Lynn, Jim Zimmerman & Kirby and Donna Smith, widow of Allen Smith III. Here are pictures of some of the family and '54 attendees.

Frank Caroccio & Dottie Cabanillas

Bill Daniels, Jose III (son, "Jody"), Jerry Mackey &  Jim Moore

Dave Hensel ( friend), Dorothy Cabanillas, Jim & Kirby Zimmerman

Jim Zimmerman, daughter-Kathryn Cabanillas Tillery, son-Jose Cabanillas III & Bill Daniels

Jerry Mackey, Connie Mackey, Bill Daniels, Jim Moore, Kirby Zimmerman, Jim Zimmerman, & Frank J. Caroccio

 Winkie & John Paul Jones

Daughter Christina Cabanillas Carmickle  & Bill Daniels

The Cabanillas' sons & daughters-in law (l to r): Jim "Til" Tillery (Kathryn's husband), Karen Cabanillas (Jodie's wife) & Ken Carmickle (Christina's husband).