James “Danny” Cheesman

James "Danny" Cheesman, 91, Overland Park, Kansas, passed away Monday, August 15, 2011, at the Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri.

Danny was born in Kansas City, Kansas, to James and Susan Cheesman. He was a 1938 graduate of Ward High School. Danny joined the US Army Air Corp in 1940, where he attained the rank of Flight Officer in 1945. He was flight engineer on the B-29 Empire Express, flying 35 missions over Japan, the first crew to achieve this status. The crew received the Distinguished Flying Cross. Danny remained in contact with his crew until his death. His crew received a special citation at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Following WWII, Danny was introduced to Mary Crossland by his sister, Rita, who was dating Mary's brother, Bill. They were married 6 months later in Kansas City, Kansas. Mary was also a graduate of Ward High School. Danny was a flight officer for Eastern Airlines, flying Super Constellations until his retirement. He and his wife, Mary started the Royal Palms Mobile Home Park in Homestead, Florida, with her sister and her husband, Harry and Millie Mills.

Danny was an avid golfer with two hole-in-one's. One after he had developed macular degeneration. He was a marshal at Overland Park Public Golf Course. He was also a member of St. Andrew's and Victory Hills Golf Clubs.

Danny was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Mary, in 1997 and sister, Mary Elizabeth Dean.

Survivors include his sister, Rita Marie Cheesman Crossland, Overland Park, Kansas; sister-in-law, Millie Sonnenschein; two brothers-in-law, Bill and George Crossland; eleven nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64145.

Visitation and Funeral Service

Visitation will be from 6-8 pm, Friday, August 19, 2011, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee, where a Rosary will be recited. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am, Saturday, August 20, 2011, at the Church of the Holy Cross, Overland Park, Kansas; entombment in the Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum.