As a youngster, Jim dreamed of flying. He was not a stellar student but enjoyed math and science, joining related clubs and groups. He lived at home and worked for the family business while attending Kalamazoo College. Jim’s older brother was commander of the Kalamazoo Army Legion Post and a good friend of a congressman from their district. Jim always remembered the day his brother asked if he would like to attend West Point. Soon after, Jim received an appointment. He did not meet the English requirement, however, and had to wait two years to receive his second appointment. He was determined to make this one successful.

Jim, who was 21 when he entered the Academy, was older than most of his fellow plebes. The January 1943 Howitzer has photos of the new plebes, with one photo of Jim captioned: “Fools rush in.” He was enthusiastic and ready to begin the program, wanting to complete his college education and learn to fly airplanes. Jim nearly had to leave the Academy at the end of the first semester due to a particularly challenging English Literature final, but he studied daily during Christmas vacation and passed. During his years at West Point, he played a lot of bridge, some intramural football, and squash. He also went to dances and formed enduring friendships.

Jim’s career began with a series of short assignments in preparation for war. Jim’s first station was Del Rio, Texas, training for flying B-26s in combat. He soon was transferred to MacDill Field in Tampa, Florida, to continue training, and then to Columbus, Ohio, for transition to the B-17. Next he went to Pyote, Texas, where he became a crew leader. His bombardier, Charles Anderson, became a lifelong friend. The crew prepared for combat in Dyersburg, Tennessee. The group moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, to complete crew assignments and finalize combat training. In May 1944, Jim was assigned to the 398th Bomb Group and sent to Nuthampstead, England. He and his crew flew 28 combat missions in nine months. In honor of his laudable efforts, Jim was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals. Jim considered all his crew good and loyal friends and always tried to attend the annual reunions.

In 1945, Jim was stationed at the Pentagon for 18 months and then studied at MIT for refresher courses in engineering to facilitate a faculty assignment at West Point in the Department of Mechanics. During his three years teaching mechanics and thermodynamics at the Academy, Congress established the Air Force.

In 1948, Jim met Billie, who would be his wife for more than 50 years. They met through mutual friends and married (Jim in Army uniform) in August 1949. Jim and Billie traveled all over the States, due to Jim’s career, but also traveled several times to Ireland to visit Billie’s relatives and friends.

After they married, Jim went to the University of Illinois–Urbana and received a master’s degree in electrical engineering. Assignments took them to Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio, and then back to the Pentagon for research and development duties. Jim was sent to Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia, for six months. During that time, the family’s belongings were destroyed in a storage facility fire. Jim and Billie started over with their children and some clothes.

One of Jim’s favorite tours came in 1962 when he was assigned to the Air Force Academy as a professor and head of the electrical engineering department. In addition to making many good friends, he and Billie loved the beauty of Colorado and would eventually make Denver their permanent home. After four years in Colorado, Jim was transferred to the Pentagon, where he served with the weapons system evaluation group. He then retired as a colonel after having served his country for 26 years. Jim was awarded the Department of Defense Commendation, as well as several Air Force commendation ribbons during his tenure.

In 1970, Jim accepted a position at Metropolitan State College of Denver as Professor of Electronics Engineering Technology. In 1974, he became the chairman of the department and served for five years. He taught numerous classes and was respected by his students for his calm, steady approach and lengthy office hours. Jim’s hard work and dedication were noted in 1979 when he was promoted to Dean of the School of Engineering Technology. Jim served as dean for five years before retiring in 1984.

Friends and family knew Jim as a quiet man who always thought before he spoke. He was wise, witty, and caring, and had a great sense of humor. Algebra homework was one of his specialties, and his apple pie was legendary. He loved cryptograms, traveling, gardening, bike riding, and spending time with his family.

Jim and Billie had four daughters, of whom three settled in the Denver area with their families. Jim loved his nine grandchildren and could often be seen at a grandchild’s soccer, football, or basketball game. He supported all their efforts and was always proud of their accomplishments. Jim is deeply missed by his wife Billie; daughters Toni, Peggy, Kate, and Mary; sons-in-law; and grandchildren.

— Written lovingly by his oldest daughter