James McKee Reed

Colonel James McKee Reed, a distinguished member of the Class of 1959, has truly had a career marked by unusual opportunities and remarkable events.

Jim graduated from Ann Arbor High School with a keen interest in flying and engineering. He was then selected for the USAFA Class of 1959, the very first graduating class of the Air Force Academy. After graduation, he went on to pilot training and subsequently joined the Strategic Air Command, flying KC-135s. His early Air Force career quickly set a precedent for his future, often placing him as the sole Air Force Academy officer, and sometimes the only Air Force Officer, in various assignments.

After five years in the Strategic Air Command, Jim was selected for the Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards AFB. Here, he qualified as a pilot for space flight, part of a pioneering plan to develop a cadre of pilots for manned space missions. Upon completing the rigorous Edwards program, Jim's career took him to Ottawa, Ontario, as an Exchange Officer with the Canadian Forces' flight test unit. His work there was extensive, including flight test programs for the De Haviland Buffalo and Northrop CF-5. He also contributed to modifications for the Canadian flight demonstration team aircraft, even flying with the team now known as the "Snowbirds." A highlight of this period was his role as Project Manager and one of the project pilots in an attempt to set a new world altitude record for jet aircraft using the Canadian CF-104 prototype, reaching an impressive 100,110 feet.

Later assignments included serving as a project manager for prototype aircraft for Air Force Systems Command and an Air Staff assignment where he prepared a long-range plan for the USAF. From the Pentagon, Jim was selected for a unique role as the Air Liaison Officer in Hong Kong. This attaché position involved extensive travel throughout China. During his four-year tenure, Jim also became a key organizer for the Hong Kong – Beijing auto rally, a professional race sponsored by FIA that spanned seven days on public roads between the two cities. Following his time in Hong Kong, Jim served on the CINCPAC staff in Honolulu before concluding his Air Force career at the US Embassy in Bangkok. There, he headed the JUSMAG Thailand Air Force division, assisting the Royal Thai Air Force in acquiring F-16 aircraft.

Throughout his diverse career, Jim became fluent in Chinese and Thai languages and visited every province in China. He furthered his education by earning an MBA degree and Master's-level education in aeronautics, astronautics, and national security policy. His legacy continues through his family: son Scott, a USAFA Class of 1984 graduate (now a retired colonel); son Chris (ROTC, Iraq War veteran, now in financial management); and daughter Lee Ann (a business owner in Aspen, Colorado). His grandson, Brian, is a USAFA Class of 2016 graduate.

Colonel Jim Reed boasts an impressive record of over 5,000 hours of flight time across a remarkable 55 different USAF, Canadian Forces, and RAF aircraft types. His career is a testament to dedication, adaptability, and a spirit of adventure.