James Kaigler Fletcher

CAPTAIN JAMES KAIGLER FLETCHER
U.S. Air Force Academy, Class of 1959, Cadet Squadron 06

James Kaigler Fletcher, known affectionately as "Jim" or "Fletch" to his classmates, was a member of the historic "First Class"—the pioneers who established the traditions of the United States Air Force Academy. Originally arriving at the interim campus at Lowry Air Force Base, Jim was part of the transition to the permanent site at the foot of the Rampart Range. As a member of Cadet Squadron 06, he balanced the rigorous academic load of the new institution with the demands of building a military culture from the ground up. He graduated with the Class of 1959, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the newly minted United States Air Force.

MILITARY SERVICE AND COMBAT
Following graduation, Jim entered pilot training, earning his wings in 1960 at Webb Air Force Base. He spent the early 1960s molding the next generation of aviators as an Instructor Pilot with the 3560th Pilot Training Squadron.

After a brief transition to the private sector, Jim returned to the cockpit in 1965 with the 120th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Colorado Air National Guard at Buckley ANGB. When the 120th was mobilized for service in the Vietnam War, Jim deployed to Southeast Asia (1968–1969). Flying the F-100 Super Sabre, he flew high-intensity combat missions that earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross and 12 Air Medals. His service was characterized by the precision and cool-headedness expected of a first-class graduate, often operating in hazardous environments to provide close air support for ground troops.

POST-MILITARY CAREER AND LEGAL PURSUIT
After his combat tour, Jim transitioned to a long and distinguished career in civil aviation. For over four decades, he served as a pilot and Director of Operations for Continental Airlines and Asia Pacific Airlines, operating out of major hubs in Denver and Los Angeles.
Ever the lifelong learner, Jim pursued a second career in the 1980s. He earned his Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Denver in 1987 and practiced as an attorney in Denver for many years. His dual expertise in aviation law and operations made him a unique asset to the Colorado legal community.

LEGACY AND FAMILY
Jim Fletcher passed away on June 27, 2015. He is remembered by his classmates and family as a man of immense capability—an officer, a combat-decorated aviator, a captain of industry, and a counselor at law. His life reflected the USAFA ideal of a "whole person," excelling in every disparate field he entered.
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SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS
Year Duty / Position Location
1955–1959 Cadet, United States Air Force Academy Lowry AFB / USAFA, CO
1959–1960 Pilot Training Bartow AFB, FL / Webb AFB, TX
1960–1964 Instructor Pilot, 3560th Pilot Training Sq Webb AFB, TX
1964–1965 Supervisor, Western Forms Englewood, CO
1965–1966 Instructor Pilot, 120th Tactical Fighter Sq Buckley ANGB, CO
1966–2009 Pilot / Director of Operations Continental / Asia Pacific Airlines
1968–1969 Combat Pilot (F-100 Super Sabre) Southeast Asia (Vietnam)
1987–2015 Attorney at Law Denver, CO

MEDALS AND AWARDS:
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Air Medal (with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters)