Jim's story began in Miami Springs, Fla. on the edge of the Everglades on Nov. 23rd, 1936. He was the fifth of 10 children–nine of whom served in the U.S. Armed Forces (believed to be the most from any one family in the U.S). After high school, he attended Miami University for one year prior to joining the Class of 1960, spending all four years in 8th Squadron.

His love of the outdoors was shown in his cadet club memberships: Bowman, Fishing and Hunting. He worked as a survival instructor during his first class summer teaching Doolies how to cope with the rigors of outdoor living and E & E through the mountains above the Academy. Jim lettered all four years in gymnastics as a stand-out gymnast competing in all the disciplines.

While in pilot training he met his future wife and avowed soul mate, Beverly, on a blind date, deciding on the spot that she was "the one." They were married three months after Jim won his wings and remained devoted to each other for 52 years. His first assignment took him to Donaldson AFB in Greenville S.C. to fly the C-124 for almost six years. He then flew for 23 years with Eastern Airlines, assigned to New York, Miami and Atlanta. Retiring as a Captain from Eastern early, Jim joined the Boeing Company, and over the next 11 years served as a training and aircraft delivery pilot for the Boeing Business Jet, B737, and B767 AWACS purchased by Japan. Following his formal retirement from Boeing, Jim continued working part time as an independent training captain and simulator instructor for the Boeing Business Jet.

Jim valued learning and was a natural and gifted teacher, passing on his love of learning to his children and grandchildren. A consummate handyman, he loved to create beautiful handcrafted wooden gifts for family and friends. He never met a stranger and always valued his friendships. With his quiet and clever sense of humor, Jim was an active participant with the Northwest Falcons–a classmate group in the Puget Sound Area, having hosted a group cookout and dinner party at his home shortly before his final illness.

Jim successfully battled against melanoma and leukemia with incredible tenacity and unflagging optimism for over two years, enduring a blood-type change with the help of his brother, but was left vulnerable with no natural immunities. At the end of that time, he was declared to be in remission. He felt great, resumed taking walks, playing tennis, doing woodworking and even flew an instrument check in a Bonanza with superb results. Then, with little immunity to infection, he contracted the flu, which rapidly became pneumonia. After a three-week battle, he died of lung failure on Feb. 3, 2014.

When Jim arrives at the big airport in the sky, two of his former roommates, Kirk Canterbury and Jerry Mason, will be waiting on the ramp to check him out on his new wings. He will be fondly remembered for things he created, his willingness to offer a helping hand, his joy in life, and all his bad puns. Jim is survived by his wife, Beverly; his son James Jr.; his daughters Leslie, Deborah and Jeanine; and his grandchildren Meghan, Cassidy and Jonathan.

Jim, you have made it through the storm now. You can turn down the lights, unlock your shoulder harness and loosen your seatbelt. May you have clear skies, a smooth ride and strong tail winds.

(George Luck & Jim Glaza, Class of 1960)