James Earle West

CAPTAIN JAMES EARLE "JIM" WEST
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

James Earle "Jim" West was born and raised in the industrial steel town of Granite City, Illinois. Earning a congressional appointment to the newly established United States Air Force Academy, Jim joined the historic pioneer Class of 1959.

Assigned to Cadet Squadron 8, Jim was known among his classmates for his quiet, reserved demeanor and steady work ethic. Outside of his demanding academic and military duties, he discovered a passion for the mountains, finding particular delight in skiing whenever weekend passes permitted.

On June 3, 1959, Jim graduated with the Academy's first class. That same day, he married his wife, Carol Ann, in Colorado Springs, embarking on a marriage and partnership that spanned over six decades.

MILITARY SERVICE & OPERATIONAL FLYING

Following commissioning as a Second Lieutenant, Jim entered Air Force flight training, completing primary and basic pilot training at Graham Air Base and Webb Air Force Base from 1959 to 1960.

Upon earning his wings, Lieutenant West entered tactical airlift, flying the C-130A Hercules with the 39th Troop Carrier Squadron at Evreux Air Base, France, from 1960 to 1963. Overseas operational flying provided Jim and his family rich opportunities to travel throughout Europe, establishing a lifelong appreciation for nature, global culture, and outdoor recreation.

Returning to the United States in 1963, Captain West joined the 774th Troop Carrier Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, piloting the upgraded C-130B Hercules. He completed Squadron Officer School (SOS) in 1965 before concluding 11 years of active military duty in 1966 at the rank of Captain (O-3).

COMMERCIAL AVIATION CAREER & LEGACY

Transitioning to commercial aviation in 1966, Jim initially served as a Flight Operations Instructor for United Airlines in Denver, Colorado. In 1967, he began a 20-year career as a line pilot with Western Airlines, flying routes out of Denver, Honolulu, Minneapolis, and Salt Lake City. Following Western Airlines' merger with Delta Air Lines in 1987, Captain West continued flying commercial airliners out of Salt Lake City until his retirement in 1997.

Jim and Carol raised two children, David and Susan. Continuing the family's legacy of military service, his son, David, followed in his father's footsteps by attending and graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy before transitioning to medicine and establishing his practice as a physician in Texas.

Primary Specialty Tactical Airlift Pilot (C-130A / C-130B Hercules)

EDUCATION

• B.S., U.S. Air Force Academy (1959)

• U.S. Air Force Pilot Training (1959–1960)

• Squadron Officer School (1965)

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

• 1959–1960: Student Pilot, Graham AB / Webb AFB

• 1960–1963: C-130A Pilot, 39th Troop Carrier Squadron, Evreux AB, France

• 1963–1966: C-130B Pilot, 774th Troop Carrier Squadron, Langley AFB, VA

• 1966–1967: Flight Operations Instructor, United Airlines (Denver, CO)

• 1967–1987: Commercial Pilot, Western Airlines (Denver / Honolulu / Minneapolis / Salt Lake City)

• 1987–1997: Commercial Pilot, Delta Air Lines (Salt Lake City, UT)