Pete Starkis

Uldis Peteris Starkis
1943 - 2017

Pete Starkis, 72, of Mary Esther, FL, passed away on February 2, 2017 surrounded by his family. Pete was born in Riga Lative, on March 22, 1943. The third of 5 children of Valdemars (Walter) Starkis and Mirdza (May) Bastjanis Starkis. When Pete was 3 years old his family fled their home during World War II. They crossed Europe as refugees and finally settled in Boston, Massachusetts in 1946. Pete was able to return and visit his place of birth in Riga Lativa with his wonderful mother in her later years. A trip of a lifetime!

On January 3, 1966, Pete joined the United States Air Force and served until January 31, 1996. Five years later after entering into the Military Service, on September 18,1971, Pete married the love of his life, Ida Sharon Marsh. He became an instant father to Scot and Bill Jackson. After a life of moving around the US and overseas, he and his beautiful wife Sharon came to settle in Mary Esther, FL to be close to there children and grandchildren.

During his Military Service, Pete worked with missiles and his last assignment duty was Mil to Mil Liaison Team before retiring as Chief Master of the United States Air Force. Honorably he served 30 years. After Pete retired he worked as Technical order Writer for 12 years and then retired a 2nd time. In his free time he completed his flying lessons and was able to receive his pilot's license. Flying was something he loved to do!

Pete Starkis was predeceased by his parents, his sister Leva (Evie) Berzins, and his brother Janis (John) Starkis.
He is survived by his wife Ida Sharon Starkis, two sons Scot Jackson (Michelle), Bill Jackson (Patty), three grandchildren, Andrew Jackson, Becka Jackson (Chris), Jennifer Jackson and three great-grandchildren Lexi, Jace and Isaiah. He also leaves behind two brothers, Andrej (Andy) Starkis of Milford, Mass. and Paul Starkis of Raymond, Colorado and 5 nieces and nephews.

Pete was known by his family and friends as the one who never said no. He enjoyed helping out when he was asked and volunteering with a smile. He was a kind soul and he will be dearly missed.

A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Pete will take place at 1:00 PM, Saturday, February 18, 2017 at Mary Esther Church of God in Mary Esther, Florida.

A military inurnment with honors will follow at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at Barrancas National Cemetery/ NAS Pensacola. A motorcar procession will plan to depart from Rose Lawn Funeral Home going to Barrancas National Cemetery at promptly 9:45 AM.

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