James Anthony "Doc" Mazzuchelli, D.O., USN

Lieutenant James Anthony “Doc” Mazzuchelli, D.O., USN, 32, died Saturday, February 24, 2018, at 5:43 AM, following injuries sustained in a helicopter incident at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Camp Pendleton, California, on Wednesday, February 21^st. He was escorted home on Saturday, March 3, 2018, by close friends from his squadron, Captain Clint Neiss, USMC and Captain Dave Axel, USMC.

A current resident of Oceanside, California, James was born in Dover, New Jersey on May 13, 1985 and grew up in Fleming Island (Orange Park), Florida. He received his diploma from Clay High School in 2003, rising to the top tier of his ROTC unit prior to graduation. After graduation, James received a full scholarship to Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he graduated with a degree in Commerce and Engineering. Upon completion of college, he was accepted into the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and received an Officer’s commission in the United States Navy while enrolled. After graduating as a physician, being recommissioned as a Lieutenant and then completing flight school, he became a Navy Flight Surgeon and was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 (HMLA-267) stationed at Camp Pendleton. He completed one deployment with his squadron to Okinawa, Japan and was scheduled to repeat deployment to Japan later this year. Two weeks prior to his death he had completed his aircrew syllabus and received his aerial observer/aircrew wings making James one of a select few doctors throughout the Navy to also have these wings.  James’ giving heart and need to help others is exemplified in his desire to be an organ donor.  Through this gift, it has enabled others to live.

James is survived by his Mother, Christine Cheers, Father, John Mazzuchelli, step-father David Cheers, and step-mother Trina Mazzuchelli as well as two sisters April and Ashlen Cheers. Surviving Grandparents include Virginia and Dennis Guzzo as well as Jack and Lolly Mazzuchelli. He will be missed greatly by Uncles, Scott, David and Bryan, Aunts, Renee, Lisa, and Mary, 2 nephews, Joseph and Ryder, 6 cousins, Logan, Brianna, Sarah, Alyssa, Cheyenne and Bella, two Godchildren, Ty and Leo, as well as many other extended family members and close friends.

A  funeral mass will be held for James at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 7190 US-17, Fleming Island, Florida 32003 at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 9, 2018. Interment will take place following the service at the Jacksonville National Cemetery on Lannie Road in Jacksonville, Florida at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, it is asked that donations be made to The Semper Fi Fund or United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) in the name of Lt. James Mazzuchelli.