We Lost Dick James today Rob

[Glenn Wegman]

The airplane can be replaced.

Glenn

[Steve T]

Hi Glenn--

Very true. I think Rob was just indicating that a Mustang had gone down, and that he did not yet know who was flying it at the time.

Steve

[Ollie]

That's sad news...

Godspeed my pilot friend...

[Dave Hackett]

I responded in the other thread hopeful that Col Rohr was wrong, but the news services are indicating that indeed this was true. Like many others have and will echo, God Speed Dick.

[Jack Cook]

One of my most dearest friends was a fighter pilot on Guadalcanal in early 1943. I asked him once what were the best and worst things about his military flying career. He simply said "the special bond you have with the men you fly with" and after a short pause he quietly added "and losing some of them". I think that applies here.

Dick was a good man and will be greatly missed. knew him well and will miss him. Dick told me after Jack Rogers was lost " At least he was doing what he loved"

sad

Steve

[Robbie Stuart]

Guys I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am to hear this. I don't recall ever meeting Dick, but I am sure he was a nice fellow. To those of you who knew him & his family, you have my sincere condolence.
Robbie

this is the newspaper report from Oshkosh

http://www.wisinfo.com/northwestern/new ... 1971.shtml

[P-51D]

I cant say how great of a guy Dick is. He basically took me under his wing the day I was old enough to drive myself to the airport. I will never forget the airshows or the times we would take the plane somewhere just for lunch together. Dick will be greatly missed not only by friends and family, but in the warbird community as well.

[mrhenniger]

Another gentleman I never had the opportunity to meet. I am sorry for your loss everyone.

Mike

[John Beyl]

I cant say how great of a guy Dick is. He basically took me under his wing the day I was old enough to drive myself to the airport. I will never forget the airshows or the times we would take the plane somewhere just for lunch together. Dick will be greatly missed not only by friends and family, but in the warbird community as well.

Eric if that's you, along with the entire "James Gang", you have my heartfelt condolences. I met Dick 11 years ago at Planes of Fame East during one of our open house airshows. I knew then he was a person I wanted to stay in contact with. Through the years Roger Christgau, Dick and I had some great times together. The pinnacle of our summer airshow season together was going to Offutt AFB for their big show in August. We would meet in Mason City Iowa for "lunch and lies". When we took off and both Mustangs were in tight formation Dick would always crack the mic, "These are the best of times guys...lets enjoy every second of it....". So true Dick, so true. I wish everybody would have had the chance to meet Dick. He was one of the kindest and most giving people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He never expected or wanted anything in return for his generosity other than friendship and when offered compensation of any type, he would refuse. When the CAF Red Tail C model fly’s again, it will be in large part because of contributions made by him. In the future, when you see it at an airshow near you, think of him.

God speed Dick. You are already sorely missed.

John
CC Red Tail Mustang

[dj51d]

I was very saddened to learn of this tuesday night. I can't claim to have known Dick James, but in the few short conversations I had with him I came away with an impression of what an incredible man he was. My sincerest condolences to Dick's family and friends.