James Sciple - USMM WWII

The day after James Sciple graduated from Fort Myers High School, he joined the Merchant Mariners. Sciple chose to join the U.S. Merchant Marine because the aquatic aspect of the position appealed to him.

He served as a mariner until the end of World War II and then worked as a miner overseas. He joined the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) about eight years ago. He enjoys swapping stories with other veterans.

In 2022 James was one of ten veterans who attended when the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded on May 18th, 2022 to the U.S. Merchant Mariners of World War II, who played crucial roles in the country's war effort.

James Oliver Sciple (July 13, 1924 ~ August 24, 2023)

James Oliver Sciple passed away peacefully at home in North Fort Myers, FL on August 23, 2023. He was born to parents Oliver and Florence (Frierson) Sciple on July 13,1924 in Fort Myers FL.

After graduating from Fort Myers High School, James enlisted in the US Merchant Marines in March 1945, serving in the Pacific during and after WWII. James was one of the representatives for the surviving US Merchant Mariners in an award ceremony for the Congressional Gold Medal in Washington DC in May 2022.

In 1948, James made his home in the Philippines where he lived until 1980. He worked on construction projects, was in the Fish and Wildlife Department, and worked for Lepanto shipping. The rest of his time in the Philippines was spent working with several mining companies – Felix Mining, Frontino-Black Mountain Copper and Benguet Exploration.

In 1951 James married Lourdes (deceased 2021) and had four children, James Edward (deceased 2022), Catherine, James Arthur and Maria. James is also survived by four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He will be missed and remembered, not only by his family, but also by his loving caregiver, Tatiana, his fellow veterans and Gyro club members, and his longtime friends at Foxmoor community.

To learn more about the Merchant Marine Service visit our page www.https://usawarriorstories.org/watch/merchant-mariners

For more information on the AMMV (American Merchant Marine Veterans) visit https://ammv.us/