JAMES RICHARD A

LTC Richard A James was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 10/10/2011 at the age of 71.7
Northampton, MA
Date of Birth 02/14/1940
Served in the U.S. Army
This information was provided by SSN search Feb 2012

More detail on this person: LTC Richard Allan James Age 71. Beloved, kind, perceptive and wry. Born on Valentines Day to Charlotte and Willard James, he grew up with his mother and extended family in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He often traveled to visit his father, sister Judy and brother Paul. He was an avid wrestler and gifted debater in high school and college. While a member of the Beta Theta Pi at the University of Iowa, his brothers used to lock him in his room to finish his homework. In 1958, he secured an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point,NY. As a cadet, he met many of his dearest lifelong friends, excelled as a member of the tennis and sailing teams, and marched in JFK's inaugural parade. After graduating in 1962, Dick married Judith McKelligott of Northampton. They raised two children and moved many times from Colorado to the South, Midwest, Washington D.C. and New England. He had a distinguished 22 year career in the Army. As both a fixed wing and helicopter pilot, he flew two tours in Vietnam, and led the medical evacuation helicopter teams at the Woodstock Music Festival. He earned his first Masters (Psychology) at the Catholic University in Washington DC, while assigned to the Pentagon, and supported his wife through her own masters study and growing career. In 1980, assigned as Professor of Military Science for the Northeastern University, he reopened many of the city's ROTC programs that had been shuttered in the 70's. After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, he earned his Masters in Business Administration from Northeastern University and taught business at Lesley College, Boston University, Emmanuel College and Westfield State. After 19 years in the Boston area, Dick and Judy relocated to her childhood home in Northampton, MA. They spent many happy years there becoming devoted grandparents and deeply enjoying their friends and neighbors. Dick loved playing tennis, sailing, traveling and running. In addition to his many accomplishments, Dick was a wonderful parent to his children who will miss him terribly. He lived well despite his Parkinson's Disease and passed away on Monday the 10th of October from its complications. He is survived by his son Patrick and daughter Jennifer, his daughter in law and son in law, four grandchildren, his sister Judy, two nieces, a nephew, a grand niece, a grand nephew. The family is especially grateful to Mr. Maxwell Asamoah for making it possible for him to continually reside in his own home until his death.

Burial information: USMA Post Cemetery, West Point Cemetery, NY

This information was last updated 01/01/2019

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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