James William Connally

COLONEL JAMES WILLIAM CONNALLY
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron: 11

EARLY LIFE AND ACADEMY YEARS
James William Connally, known as "Jim" to his friends and family, was born on June 16, 1937, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The son of William and Lois Connally, Jim’s early years in South America instilled in him a global perspective and a natural aptitude for cross-cultural communication—skills that would later define the strategic "soft power" phase of his military career.

Jim was a member of the historic first class of the United States Air Force Academy. He navigated the rigors of the "New Cadet" experience at Lowry AFB before the move to the permanent site in Colorado Springs, ultimately earning his Bachelor of Science and commission on June 3, 1959.

A PARTNERSHIP OF SERVICE
Jim’s journey through the Air Force was a shared mission with his wife, Eleanor Rose "Ellie" Hall Connally. As a "First Class" family, they navigated the unique challenges of the early Academy years and the frequent moves that define a military life. From the rugged winters of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the diplomatic circles of Madrid, Spain, Ellie was the steady anchor of the Connally home. Her resilience and support allowed Jim to focus on the high-stakes environments of combat and international planning, embodying the selfless service of the Air Force spouse.

PILOT TRAINING AND EARLY ASSIGNMENTS
Upon graduation, Jim entered Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) at Marianna Air Base and Craig Air Force Base, earning his silver wings in 1960. His first operational assignment took him to the 26th Air Refueling Squadron at Plattsburgh AFB, New York, where he flew the KC-135 Stratotanker during the height of the Cold War. In 1961, he attended Squadron Officer School (SOS) at Maxwell AFB.

From 1963 to 1966, Jim served in a prestigious joint role as a Pilot and Aide-de-Camp for the Joint United States Military Group (JUSMG) - MAAG in Spain. Returning to the States, he transitioned to the cockpit of the T-37 Tweet, serving as an Instructor Pilot with the 3575th Pilot Training Wing at Vance AFB, Oklahoma.

VIETNAM SERVICE AND STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
In 1971, Jim completed his post-graduate studies, earning an MBA from Auburn University. Shortly thereafter, he deployed to Southeast Asia. From 1971 to 1972, he served as a pilot with the 8th Special Operations Squadron (the "Black Sheep") at Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam. Flying the A-37 Dragonfly, he provided critical close air support and strike missions during a pivotal period of the conflict.

The Black Sheep were known for their surgical precision and willingness to fly low-level, high-risk missions to protect ground forces. Jim’s time in Southeast Asia was more than just a test of piloting skill; it was a masterclass in leadership under fire. His ability to remain calm and decisive during the chaos of the Easter Offensive is a testament to the "Warrior-Scholar" ideal the Academy sought to produce in its inaugural class.

Following his combat tour, Jim’s career shifted toward high-level strategic planning. He served seven years (1972–1979) at Headquarters USAF in the Western Hemisphere Division, acting as a Political-Military Affairs Officer. His expertise was instrumental in shaping U.S. policy and planning for Latin American military affairs.

COMMAND AND SENIOR STAFF
In 1979, Jim returned to the flight line as the Assistant Director of Operations for the 379th Bomb Wing at Wurtsmith AFB. He then moved to the 410th Bomb Wing at K.I. Sawyer AFB in Michigan (1980–1982), where he continued to demonstrate the leadership that earned him the rank of Colonel. He concluded his active-duty career at the Pentagon, serving as a Division Chief (J5) within the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (OJCS).

POST-MILITARY CAREER AND LEGACY
After retiring from the Air Force, Jim joined Burdeshaw Associates in Bethesda, Maryland, where he served as an Associate and Vice President of Air Force Programs. His deep knowledge of military acquisitions and strategic planning made him a sought-after consultant for decades.

After retiring from active duty, Jim continues to contribute to the aerospace community at Burdeshaw Associates. He remained a proud member of the "First Class," always looking for ways to support the Academy and the Class of '59 legacy. He is known by his classmates for his integrity, his quiet strength, and his devotion to his family and country.

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Service Summary
Years Duty Location
1959–1960 Pilot Training Marianna AB / Craig AFB
1960–1963 Pilot, 26th Air Refueling Squadron Plattsburgh AFB
1963–1966 Pilot/Aide, JUSMG-MAAG Spain
1967–1970 Instructor Pilot, 3575th PTW Vance AFB
1971–1972 Pilot, 8th Special Operations Squadron Bien Hoa AB, RVN
1972–1979 Political-Military Affairs Officer HQ USAF, Washington D.C.
1979–1980 Assistant Dir. Operations, 379th BW Wurtsmith AFB
1980–1982 Pilot, 410th Bomb Wing K.I. Sawyer AFB
1982–1985 Division Chief, J5 OJCS, Pentagon