James Trudeau

Lieutenant Colonel James L. Trudeau USMC (Retired) age 82, passed away on January 23, 2021.  He was born February 10, 1938 in New York, NY and raised in Windsor CT.  Jim was a graduate of the Loomis Chaffee School class of 1956. After graduation he postponed his admission to Brown University to answer the call of duty, enlisting in the United States Marine Corp.

He continued his USMC journey in Quantico, VA., at Officer Candidate School from 2 Oct until 15 Dec 61, receiving a commission as 2nd Lieutenant. He completed the Basic School (Quantico) 27 Jun 62.

Later he was assigned to 3rd Marine Division arriving in Vietnam in 1967 going directly to Con Thien where he was the company commander of “M” Company. He was seriously wounded 22 Sept 67, medivaced receiving his first Purple Heart. He rejoined 3/9 as S-4 in late November, then was reassigned as CO of “I” Company in 68.  On 13 Jan 68 his company was ambushed between the Rockpile & Ca Lu.  On 2/15/68, he was WIA for the third time and was medivaced out again.  After rejoining 3/9 in April ’68, he was ordered out of the country, subsequently, finishing his overseas tour. During this tour he received numerous awards including the Bronze Star with Combat “V”, three Purple Hearts, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star, Vietnam Service medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation. He had a stellar career retiring from the Corp in 1981.

He would go on to do many things, one of the most memorable was his time as Deputy Commandant of Cadets at SUNY Maritime College, Fort Schuyler, NY.

James is survived by his wife, Barbara Rocchina Cardillo; children -Doreen (Mike) Tedeschi of Michigan; Dawn Malin of Darien, Georgia; Hope Calderon (Ryan Meyers) of Ormond Beach, Florida; Frank Trudeau (Bettina Grand) of Miami, Florida; grandchildren – Daniele (Luke Miljour), Michael and Frank (Lauren)Tedeschi; Alexis and Douglas Malin; Dylan, Catalina and Christopher Trudeau; and six great grandchildren; brother- Peter (Linda) Trudeau and sister – Karen (Danny) Driscoll

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, February 9, from 6-8 PM (Rosary lead by Butch Crews at 7PM) at Shepard Roberson Funeral Home, 526 Oakwood Street, Folkston, GA 31537  (912) 496-7388

Lt Col. Trudeau will be laid to rest with Military Honors at the Jacksonville National Cemetery on February 10, at 2:30, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32218

{Please note that social distancing and mask are required at the service}

The family invites guest to the home following the service for a “Celebration of the Colonel’s Life”, 162 Martin Street, Folkston, GA

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Charlton County Public Library, 1291 Indian Trail, Folkston, GA 31537  (912) 496-2041

Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Georgia.