James D. Reisser; Retired Executive Recruiter

James Donald Reisser, a retired executive recruiter, has died at the age of 83.

Reisser, who died Wednesday at Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, was born Dec. 19, 1917, in Sioux City, Iowa. He grew up there and in Omaha.

He attended Northwestern University, where he met his future wife, Harriet Cain, in 1937.

The couple married Dec. 10, 1943, after she graduated and he received his Air Corps wings. He was a B-29 pilot and flight instructor during World War II.

The couple moved several times while he was in the service, then made Chicago their home after he was discharged. When an employer offered a transfer in 1947, the Reissers moved to California. In 1949, they moved to Pacific Palisades, where they lived until moving to Thousand Oaks in 1987.

Also in 1949, Reisser went to work for a division of Westinghouse as vice president of the automatic laundry division. His area included 13 Western states.

In 1966, he joined an executive recruiter company, Hergenrather & Co., working there until retiring in 1987.

Reisser has been a Rotary Club member since 1966.

His hobbies included working crossword puzzles, bridge, Bible study and travel. The couple enjoyed traveling throughout the world and took a trip or cruise almost every year. Reisser also liked to watch the History Channel, especially World War II documentaries.

In addition to his wife of 57 years, he is survived by one daughter, Linda Reisser of Portland, Ore.; one son, Paul Reisser of Thousand Oaks; one brother, Robert of Omaha, and two grandchildren.

Services with full military honors are scheduled at 2:30 p.m. Friday at the National Cemetery in Riverside.

Memorial services are scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday at Emanuel Presbyterian Church in Thousand Oaks.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Bros. Griffin Mortuary in Thousand Oaks.