James Irwin Miholick

MAJOR JAMES IRWIN MIHOLICK
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

James Irwin Miholick entered the United States Air Force Academy from Honolulu, Hawaii, after receiving a Presidential appointment. Assigned to Cadet Squadron 4, he quickly distinguished himself through both academic leadership and artistic vision. During his time at the Academy, he served as the Chairman of the Engineering Society Mechanical Division and chaired the Ring and Crest Committee, where he designed the very first Air Force Academy crest and class ring, establishing an enduring visual symbol for the Class of 1959 and future generations of cadets.

Following his graduation in 1959, Miholick entered active duty during an era of significant operational demand. His initial overseas assignment brought him to Osan Air Base in South Korea from 1960 to 1963, before transitioning into tactical fighter aircraft.

FIGHTER AVIATION & COMBAT SERVICE

Major Miholick spent the core of his active-duty flying career piloting frontline fighter aircraft across the Pacific theater and Southeast Asia.

• F-100 Super Sabre: Assigned to the 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Itazuke Air Base, Japan (1963–1965).
• F-105 Thunderchief: Transitioned to the "Thud" with the 36th TFS at Yokota Air Base, Japan, deploying into combat operations at Korat and Takhli Air Bases in Thailand (1965–1966). He continued flying the F-105 with the 35th Tactical Fighter Squadron out of Korat Air Base through 1969.
• Instruction & Guard Advisory: From 1969 to 1971, he served as an Instructor Pilot and Academic Instructor with the 563rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing at McConnell Air Force Base. He then served as an Air Force Advisor for F-105 operations with the 177th Tactical Fighter Group, New Jersey Air National Guard, in Atlantic City, NJ (1971–1974).
• F-4 Phantom II: Returned to Thailand as a Flight Commander and Instructor Pilot with the 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Ubon Air Base (1974–1979).
• F-16 Fighting Falcon: Served as a pilot with the Joint Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base, California (1979–1987).

Following his flight operations assignments, Major Miholick served as Chief of the Data Analysis Branch for the USAF Inspector General at Norton Air Force Base, California, from 1987 until 2004, capping a total of 32 years of dedicated service to the Air Force.

Personal Life & Legacy
Major Miholick passed away on July 4, 2018, in Redlands, California. He was survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Valdean S. Miholick; his three sons, Thomas, Stephen, and John Michael; his daughter, Pamela; and six grandchildren. His contribution to the Academy’s identity—most notably the historic design of the first USAFA class ring and crest—remains a foundational legacy for the Class of 1959.

EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP ROLES

United States Air Force Academy Class of 1959, Cadet Squadron 4
Ring and Crest Committee Chairman; Designed first USAFA Crest & Class Ring
Engineering Society Chairman, Mechanical Division

MEDALS & MILITARY DECORATIONS

Distinguished Flying Cross 4
Air Medal 7
Air Force Commendation Medal 1

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

1960–1963 General Duty Osan Air Base, South Korea
1963–1965 Pilot (F-100) 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Itazuke Air Base, Japan
1965–1966 Pilot (F-105) 36th TFS, Yokota AB, Japan / Korat AB & Takhli AB, Thailand
1966–1969 Pilot (F-105) 35th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Air Base, Thailand
1969–1971 Instructor Pilot / Academic Instructor 563rd TFS, 23rd TFW, McConnell AFB, Kansas
1971–1974 Air Force Advisor (F-105) 177th Tactical Fighter Group, NJ ANG, Atlantic City, NJ
1974–1979 Flight Commander / Instructor Pilot (F-4) 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Air Base, Thailand
1979–1987 Pilot (F-16) Joint Test Force, Edwards AFB, California
1987–2004 Chief, Data Analysis Branch USAF Inspector General, Norton AFB, California