James Roland Blackwell

Colonel James Blackwell, USAF (Ret.)
A Legacy of Leadership, Courage, and Wit
Jim Blackwell was a man of remarkable "firsts" and enduring loyalty. Born on July 20, 1934, in Providence, KY, After attending Western Kentucky State College for three years and standing just six hours shy of his degree, Jim accepted an appointment to the inaugural class of the newly created United States Air Force Academy in 1955. As a member of the Class of 1959, he earned his Bachelor’s in Engineering and became a legendary figure on campus. His Polaris yearbook noted: “One of the most likeable guys around, Jim never let the rigorous Academy atmosphere get the best of his social life.” As Chairman of the Entertainment Committee, his gift for humor and morale-building became a hallmark of his character.

Valor in the "Black" Ops
Jim’s military career was defined by elite skill and nerves of steel. A command pilot with over 8,800 flying hours, he flew more than 900 combat missions across three tours in Vietnam. Much of this time was spent in the shadows with MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group).

Flying C-123 and C-130 aircraft for the First Flight Detachment, Jim specialized in clandestine operations. On July 1, 1970, he earned a place in Special Operations lore at FOB Duc To. Under heavy NVA ground fire and "socked in" by monsoon weather, Jim navigated his C-123K at tree-top level to deliver critical ammunition and evacuate 26 wounded SOG members. For this bravery, he was honored with a 5th Special Forces Group Green Beret and a Team Leader Hat—an unprecedented tribute from the soldiers he saved.

Strategic Leadership & Beyond
Jim’s sharp mind and grasp of detail led him to high-level strategy. After earning two Master’s degrees from Arizona State University (1968) and graduating from the National War College (1979), he served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and as Vice Wing Commander of the 375th Aeromedical Airlift Wing. His career culminated at the State Department, where he chaired interagency groups vital to the INF and START Arms Control Treaties.

After 28 years in uniform, Jim spent another 26 years as a leader in the private sector, holding executive roles at DynCorp and Computer Sciences Corporation, managing national security and nuclear energy programs.

A Patriot and a Fan
Despite his global impact, Jim remained a devoted fan and family man. An avid reader of history and the Civil War. He faithfully watched Air Force Academy Falcon Football every season, regardless of the East Coast kickoff time, and he never missed a Western Kentucky basketball game. While growing up in Northern Virginia, he developed a lifelong passion for sports. As a young man, he spent many afternoons at Griffith Stadium cheering on the Washington Senators and the Redskins—a passion that saw him celebrate championship titles for the Redskins, Nationals, Capitals, and Wizards throughout his life.

Jim’s heart always remained with his classmates. He cherished Class Reunions, including the 2018 dedication of the USAFA First Class Memorial at Wright-Patterson AFB. A devoted husband, father, and mentor, Jim Blackwell was a patriot who led with a warm demeanor and a legendary sense of humor. He didn't just serve his country; he brought out the best in everyone who had the honor of knowing him.