Jimmie Lee Smith

CAPTAIN JIMMIE LEE SMITH
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Jimmie Lee Smith hailed from Waupaca, Wisconsin. Prior to entering military service, Jimmie was a thoughtful adventurer seeking his place in the world. He attended a year of college before wandering down to Florida to work in the orange groves. Having already earned a private pilot’s license, he knew early on that his true passion was flying.

In late 1954, when news of the newly established United States Air Force Academy reached his family, his mother called him to urge him home to take the competitive qualifying exams. Earning a congressional appointment from Wisconsin, he reported with the pioneer class to Lowry Air Force Base in Denver on July 11, 1955. Being two years older than many of his peers gave him a steady, pragmatic outlook on cadet life.

CADET DAYS

Assigned to Cadet Squadron 7, Jimmie was diligent and focused across all domains of cadet life—academics, intramural athletics, and social events. While he was known for being a serious thinker and philosopher, his good-natured perseverance under the strict formations and rigors of the early Academy earned him the nickname "Smiley". Outside of strict military routine, he was a multi-talented athlete, a writer, and an accomplished musician who played both guitar and piano. Having arrived in Denver on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, Jimmie graduated four years later, driving away from Colorado Springs in a sleek new Austin-Healey sports car.

MILITARY CAREER & FAMILY

Upon commissioning in June 1959, Capt. Smith entered Primary Pilot Training at Bartow Air Base, Florida, followed by Basic Pilot Training at Laredo Air Force Base, Texas. Although a self-proclaimed "confirmed bachelor," his plans changed during flight training in Texas when he met Anne, a dedicated Air Force nurse. The two were married within six months, beginning a loving partnership that lasted over 56 years.

His Air Force service spanned 13 years and included various operational roles:

• Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C): Flying operational missions out of McClellan AFB, California.
• Overseas Staff Duty: Serving as an Aide in the Central Air Force (CAF) Section with the Joint U.S. Military Aid to Turkey (JUSMMAT).
• VIP Transport Flight: Pilot in command of T-39 Sabreliner aircraft with the 1001st Air Base Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, transporting military dignitaries and executive personnel.

For his meritorious operational and staff service, Captain Smith was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

POST-MILITARY & CIVILIAN LIFE

After leaving active duty, Jimmie transitioned seamlessly into corporate and executive aviation. From 1986 to 1988, he served as Chief Pilot for M.P. McLean in Newark, New Jersey. Subsequently, he embarked on a 20-year career as an independent aviation consultant and self-employed pilot until his full retirement in 2009.

Throughout his life, Jimmie was remembered as a quiet, thoughtful man, a steadfast friend, and an athlete who remained passionate about aviation and music.

Captain Jimmie Lee Smith passed away on October 22, 2016, in New Jersey, slipping "the surly bonds of earth" one final time. He is survived by his wife, Anne, along with his extended family, classmates, and friends.

MEDALS & AWARDS

Joint Service Commendation Medal

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS


1959 – 1960 Primary Pilot Training Bartow Air Base, FL
1960 – 1963 Basic Pilot Training / Flight Operations Laredo Air Force Base, TX
1963 – 1965 Pilot Airborne Early Warning & Control Sq (AEW&CSq), McClellan AFB, CA
1965 – 1968 Aide, CAF Section Joint U.S. Military Aid to Turkey (JUSMMAT)
1968 – 1986 Pilot (T-39 Sabreliner) 1001st Air Base Wing, Andrews Air Force Base, MD
1986 – 1988 Chief Pilot M.P. McLean (Newark, NJ)
1988 – 2009 Self-Employed / Aviation Consultant Private Sector
2009 Retired