Obituary of J. William William Ingeman

J. William "Bill" Ingeman, 90, of West Ellicott, died Sunday, December 16, 2012 in WCA Hospital. He was born in Jamestown on May 10, 1922, the son of the late J. William Ingeman, Sr. and Virena Kenison Ingeman. Bill was an accomplished pilot and veteran of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars during which he flew 219 combat missions in bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. He also flew worldwide support missions for the NASA Apollo moon landing program from 1966 to 1969 while assigned to the Air Force Eastern Test Range in Florida. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and nine air medals for combat action, as well as several commendation medals. Following 25 years of active military service, Bill served for many years as a captain of a commuter airline. During that time, he also volunteered as a pilot for Airlifeline, a national, nonprofit organization of pilots who donate their time and expertise to transfer indigent patients to various medical facilities for treatment. Bill was an active participant and generous supporter of many charitable organizations, particularly those concerned with social justice, over population, animal welfare and the environment. He was a proud member of the Jamestown High School Class of 1940 and an active participant in its reunion committee. He also attended the Rochester Institute of Technology, graduating in 1946. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his son, J. William Ingeman III, who died in 1987. He is survived by several cousins, including Richard Ingeman of Cloride, AZ, Karen B. Ingeman of Kelowna, British Columbia, Karen M. Ingeman of Liverpool, NY; and the late Klaudette Drozdziel of Dunkirk, NY who died in August of 2011. Visitation will be observed from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturday, December 22 in the Lind Funeral Home. At Bill's request, no funeral service will be held. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Population Connection, 1400 16th Street, NW, Suite 320, Washington, D.C. 20036.