James B. Myers Col. (RET) Usaf

Retired Air Force Col. James B. Myers, age 93, passed away on March 10, 2015 due to complications from pneumonia. Jim was a command pilot, who flew over 10,000 hours, 70% in jets, during his 35-year USAF career. He had achieved the triple crown of military aviation: ratings as command pilot, navigator, and bombardier. Col. Myers' last USAF assignment was as Commander of the 4900 Air Base Wing at Kirtland Air Force base in Albuquerque, NM. Jim was born and raised in Mandan, North Dakota to Eugene and Phillipine Myers. He is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 62 years, Dottie; and his sons David and Richard. He is survived by his sister Evelyn Becker of Seminole, FL; brothers Tom (Patty) Myers of Summerfield, FL and Larry (Ruth) Myers of Bismarck, ND; daughter Mikal (Jim) Meyer of Fairfax, VA; son Jeff (Susie) Myers of Fort Mill, SC; grandchildren Joan (Mike) Barrett, Jeff Meyer, Barry Meyer, Matt Myers and Rachel Myers. He was great-grandpa to Ben, Madelyn, Kate and Natalie. Knowing that he wanted to fly from an early age, his passion for flying was realized when he received his pilot's license the summer he graduated high school. He enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard in 1940. He was selected for the Army Air Corps Flight Cadet program as World War II began; this program later became the United States Air Force. He spent his WWII years as an AT-10, AT-11 and B-25 instructor pilot in Texas. While in Texas, he met the love of his life, Dottie Avriett of Fort Worth. They married in 1945, after which Jim earned a B.S. in Economics from Texas Christian University. He was called back to duty with the Air Force during the Korean Conflict, where he flew F-80 fighter bombers in combat. He continued his USAF career with various assignments, including teaching ROTC at Duke University, attending Command and General Staff College, 10 years with the Strategic Air Command flying B-47's and B-52's, Air Traffic Section Chief in Viet Nam, Director of Plans and Policy for the Defense Nuclear Agency in Washington, DC, and Commander of the 4900 Air Base Wing at Kirtland Air. Jim's favorite airplane was the B-47 Stratojet. Col. Myers took great pride in receiving the New Mexico Distinguished Public Service Award from then-governor Jerry Apodaca in 1975. During his career Col. Myers was awarded the Legion of Merit with Oak Cluster, the Bronze Star, the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He was a lifetime member of the Order of Daedalians, an organization of military pilots. After retiring in Albuquerque, NM, he and Dottie enjoyed travelling and summers at the family cottage on Pelican Lake in Minnesota. Jim continued to enjoy golfing, fishing, hunting in North Dakota, and playing poker and bridge with friends. Amongst his many avocations, Jim was a very accomplished artist and he leaves a rich legacy of fine art work (ink, oils, water color, and pastels) for his family. Job Well Done Dad! Full Throttle. Cheers! Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 10:45 am at FRENCH- Wyoming; a reception will be held immediately following the service. Interment will take place at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 2:15pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, . FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400