More detail on this person: Air show pilot and
ICAS member Jim Cheatham died of a sudden
illness at his home in Salinas, California on
Wednesday morning. President of the
Salinas-based Verticare Company, Cheatham was
a helicopter pilot in Vietnam and a successful
agricultural pilot for many years. His Showcopters
team was the only civilian helicopter act in the
air show industry.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on Monday,
March 16 at the Verticare hangar at Salinas
Municipal Airport.
Born in Lavee, Arizona, Jim began his flying
career through his Dad's instruction in fixed wing
airplanes. He later served as a mechanic and
helicopter pilot in the United States Army
completing tours in both Vietnam and South Korea.
Jim moved to the Salinas California area in 1967
working for the Clevenger's Air Service, he
purchased the company in late 1970 and changed
the name to Verticare Helicopters in 1971. During
his 42 years flying out of the Salina airport, Jim
utilized his piloting skills while performing in
air shows, crop dusting, aerial photography,
filming charter services
and flight training. Jim is survived by his
significant other, Cheryl Harris (Big Sur, CA),
sister Janice Shoemaker
(Bourne, TX), children Jodi Serrano (Sacramento,
CA), Captain Amanda Evans (Osan AFB, Korea),
Stacey Wilson (Soledad, CA), Kylie Pachuilo
(Salinas, CA), Amy Hayes (Yokosuka NAS, Japan),
Burton Cheatham, Salinas, CA) and seven
grandchildren. He will be greatly missed as he was
adored by all his family.
VHPA Member Ray Murphy adds that Jim was also
one of the best R-22 & R-44 pilots in the world!
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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