Captain James Batwinis, 78, of St. Augustine, Fla., passed away Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Flagler Hospital, St. Augustine, Fla. Born Jan. 12, 1944, in North Charleroi, he was the son of the late Edward and Rose Alberta Batwinis. A resident of St. Augustine for the past 24 years, Mr. Batwinis was Methodist by faith and was a retired U.S. Naval Aviator. After his college graduation, Captain Batwinis entered the Aviation Officer Candidate Program and was commissioned an Ensign in December 1965 at Pensacola, Fla. He served as Commander, Reserve Patrol Wing Pacific from August 1988 until August 1990. In September 1990, he reported to Commander Naval Air Reserve Force in New Orleans, La., for duty as Deputy Chief of Staff for Flight Programs. In May 1991, he began his tour as Commander, Naval Reserve Recruiting Command until his retirement in 1995. Captain Batwinis’ citations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal (20, Naval Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and Republic of Vietnam Service Medal). He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Moore Batwinis, to whom he was married 57 years; two daughters and sons-in-law, Robbie Lynn and Joe Stout of Baltimore, Md., and Lori Ann and Robbie Coslow of Johnstown, Pa.; six grandchildren, Tori Thiell, Mary Stout, Spencer Stout, Capt. Veronica Arnold, James Jeffries and Thomas Jeffries; and three great-grandchildren, Blake, Brooks and Riley. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Batwinis. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, July 15, 2022, at PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATIONS LLC, family owned and operated, 626 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon, 724-929-6183. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations LLC with Pastor Chuck Jack of First United Methodist Church of Belle Vernon officiating. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Condolences accepted at the funeral home’s website, www.parzynskifuneralhome.com.
