1928
2018
James Talbot Guyer (Jim), 89, of Tampa Florida was born in 1928 at West Point, NY, where his father, Robert George Guyer, was a physics professor. His mother, Rose Ravenhall Guyer, was the daughter of Senator Richard Ravenhall of New York who helped revolutionize Coney Island, Ravenhall Bathhouse and Hotel.
Jim was a third generation graduate of the United State Military Academy, where his father, grandfather, uncle and cousin are also USMA graduates. Jim was a veteran infantry officer and the only man in his Class of 1951 to receive battlefield promotion. Directly descended from Walter Palmer the Pilgrim of 1629 and Major Daniel Dickinson, one of the heroes in the Battle of Saratoga, Guyer military service included brothers Richard and George (WW II), and nephews Thad Guyer (Vietnam) and Matthew Guyer (1986-2015, Iraq). After the army Jim's leadership continued as a senior executive for Continental Can Company, Purl Beer, Schlitz Beer and Miller Brewing Company, where he built five can-manufacturing plants for Miller.
Jim was an adventurer! After retiring, he sailed the Florida and Carolina coasts, Bahamas and Caribbean for five years with his wife, Judy. In his 50's he ran marathons in New York, Minnesota and Milwaukee. In his 60's he successfully competed in Triathlons across the country.
He began Skydiving and BASE (Bridge, Antenna, Span, Earth) jumping at age 70, achieving more than 1000 Skydiving jumps. At 75 and a Guinness World Record holder, National Geographic filmed a special of Jim BASE jumping off Angel Falls in Venezuela. Jim successfully broke two world records as being the oldest skydiver and BASE jumper in the world.
Jim is preceded in death by his father Robert, mother Rose and first wife, Libby Jackson. Immediate family includes children, Jimmy (Lucia), Kathy Guyer Brantley, and Britt (Skylaar); grandchildren, Robert (Kelli), Patrick (Lindsay), and Hilty; great-grand children, Isabelle, Preslie, and Moses; nephews, Robert Guyer (Katherine), Thad (Trang) and George. Second wife, Judy Swofford; stepchildren include Chris Calvert (Kathy) and Heidi Oligmueller (Tim).
A funeral will be held on Monday February 26, 2018, 2:00 pm at Blount Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Blount & Curry Funeral Home - Macdill Chapel MacDill Avenue Chapel.
3 Entries
February 18, 2018
Acquaintance
Rosemary Rickard
Jim was always such a positive person. He was a delight to be around. I got the pleasure of working with him as his Massage Therapist in his last year of life. I am saddened by his departure. He had a lighthearted spirit that will never be forgotten.
February 6, 2018
Kathy Guyer
My Dad was a Soldier, Salor,Extreme Athlete,Top Executive, A Catholic,and a devoted AA member!I really can't say I know anyone that lived life as much as he did. In fact I remember in a book on healthy living he was quoted to say "I don't want to get to the end of my life and feel I did not Live" He was a true example of living life to the fullest.A Marathoner, Triatheloner, Tennis champ and sailing around the world in a double mast schooner where just a few of his activeties. In his later 70's he was in the Geniuses world record book for being the oldest man in the world to base jump. Dad came from three generations of West Point Men. Including uncles and cousins Generals and cornals. Dad class of 1951 with Buzz Aldrin his room mate. His Father Robert George Guyer class of 1916 and his grandfather George Dickinson Guyer class of 1891. Before West Point Dad went to George Town Prep and George Town University. Dads Mother is the graddaughter of the founders of Coney Island and Senator Richard Ravenhall. My Mother grew up on the island of Palm Beach right down from the Kennedy's winter home and the Trumps Maralargro winter white house. Dad's mother had a winter home on the Island too. They were destine to meet. I think the first date was at a dance at the Breakers. Dads job took him to Tampa to open the Continental Can Company where he a Mom built their first home off of West Shore in the 50's.His job later took him all over the US managing other containing plants especially for Beer Companies. His final nd Biggest Job was a Top executive for Phillip Morris opening and running containing plants. His number one product was Miller Beer and his Main office was in down town Milwaukee but he had a leer jet with an office in it to take I'm to his 5 other plants around the US. My fond memories take me to the beach playing wiffle ball with dad and brothers, Jogging or playing tennis with him camping and sailing. I will miss you Dad and you will always be in my HEART! Love Kathy
February 6, 2018
Kathy Guyer
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