James "Jim" E. Peel, an Academy pioneer–graduating in the second class in 1960–lived the ideals of the Academy. A dedicated, professional Air Force Officer, Jim contributed significantly to aviation and his community. He was a family man of the first order. Jim died Sunday, July 1, 2007 in the Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital in Dover, Delaware.

Born in Cincinnati, Jim joined 371 [sic] classmates entering USAFA in 1956, after completing two years at Cincinnati University. Revealing an aviation passion that remained for his lifetime, Jim enjoyed three years in the Academy Aero Club. He joined the Hunting and Ski Clubs and was a Pistol Team member.

Jim returned to Lowry AFB, where his Academy career began, to complete the USAF Missile School, prior to earning pilot wings at Williams AFB, Ariz. Beginning a series of overseas tours, Jim flew KB-50s in Sculthorpe, England. In England, Jim met his future bride, Joan, a teacher. The romance took. Joan and Jim shared 44 years of blissful marriage. Next, Jim had Command Post duty in Ankara, Turkey, where he helped direct critical cold war operations.

Assigned to C-133 turboprops in Dover, Del., Jim became an aircraft commander and instructor pilot. He flew worldwide MAC humanitarian and Vietnam combat support missions. During this time, I flew with Jim and was thoroughly impressed with his dedication, preparation, and prowess as an aviator. Soft spoken, he provided a steadying influence in difficult operational and/or aircraft emergency situations.

From Dover, Jim was assigned to OV-10 Forward Air Controller armed reconnaissance missions at Nakhon Phanom AFB, Thailand, flying in direct support of the Vietnam War. Following Southeast Asia, Jim earned an MS degree in Mechanical Engineering from New Mexico State University. He used his degree and combat experience in research and development projects at Eglin AFB, Fla.

Returning to MAC and Dover, Jim and family settled into community life. He flew C-5s and worked in Civil Engineering in his "spare" time. Jim retired in June, 1988, having served his nation for 28 years. Lt. Col. Peel was awarded Seven Air Medals, an Air Force Commendation Medal, Five Outstanding Unit Awards, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Seven Vietnam Service Medals, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Still loving aviation, Jim taught Airway Science as an associate professor at Delaware State University. He retired from teaching in 1997. Returning to a youthful pursuit, Jim joined the Civil Air Patrol after retirement. As with his Air Force career, Jim lived up to the precepts of the CAP: Serving America through developing our youth; performing emergency and humanitarian missions; and educating citizens on space and aviation issues. Additionally, he was an IP and check pilot for the Dover Aero Club.

Jim was a member of Daedalians, a Kent General Hospital volunteer, a faithful member of the Dover Holy Cross Church, in the Knights of Columbus Council, an American Legionnaire, and a member of the AOPA.

Jim had a wry sense of humor. While serving as a Salvation Army Christmas bell ringer, a local TV reporter asked why someone with his background and experience would take on such a task, Jim replied: "Well. . . it keeps me off the streets and out of trouble." Informed of the interview, Joan asked, "Jim, you really didn't say that, did you?" Jim, with a mirthful smile, said, "Of course I did, honey."

A dedicated father, husband, and grandfather, Jim is survived by his wife, Joan M. Peel, of Dover, Del.; three sons: Henry G. of Dover, Paul E. of King of Prussia, Pa., and James H. of Arlington, Va.; two daughters: Rosanne M. Groenevild-Meijer of Winnetka, Ill., and Margaret M. Gleeson of Berkeley Heights, N.J. Grandchildren include Andrew K. and Grace P. Groenevild-Meijer of Winnetka and Sean P. and Sarah Joan Gleeson of Berkeley Heights.

Interment was in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

(Gene H. Davis, USAFA, 1961)