James "Goldie" Goldsmith

James "Goldie" Goldsmith USAF MSGT (Ret.), age 93, of North Las Vegas, Nevada passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Goldie was born on February 26, 1931 in Kennett, Missouri. He enlisted in the US Navy at 17 years of age. It was at this time he was given the nickname "Goldie", and it stuck with him throughout his life. He served for 9 years as an Aviation Boatswain's Mate advancing to rank if AB1. He left the Navy October 1, 1957 and enlisted in the United States Air Force the very next day. He served as an Aircraft Loadmaster for the next 11 years and retired in Okinawa. While in Okinawa he worked for Air Asia (he also worked in Laos) for a short period. During his military career he was awarded Air Medal 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Navy Occupational Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, 3 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He flew 142 combat missions in North and South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

His first assignment in the Air Force was at Patrick Air Force Base where he flew C-54's support of Atlantic missile range from the United States to Brazil, range tracking had to be supplied. Then in 1959 he stationed at Eglin Air Force Base flying C-124s (still range support), 1960-61 Parachute Test Center NALF El Centro. Most of the tests were done using C-130 A model, October 1961 817th TCS C-130A, Southeast Asia supporting US assets. Finally, McGuire Air Force Base 29th and 45th MAS, C-130E Chief Flight Examiner. He amassed almost 6,000 hours of flying time. AD ASTRA ET SURSUM.

He returned to the US and worked in Federal Law Enforcement for 7 years. At this point in his life some called him Goldie, some called him Jim... it didn't matter to him, just never James!! While living in Las Vegas he worked at several casinos, Marina, Imperial Palace, Landmark and Caesar's Palace, in gaming. He also was a lifelong HAM Radio operator and was the recipient of several distinguished awards.

Goldie is survived by his wife of 35 years, Rhonda; daughter Teresa Blair of Mountain Home, Arkansas; sister-in-law Marlene (Scott) Brown; and his beloved dog Huey; beloved grandson, Dale (Sam) Milburn; several cousin; nephews; nieces; grand nephews and grand nieces; the United States Air Force Loadmaster Community, all of his friends and neighbors; and all his skydiving friends. Services with Full Military Honors will be held at 1:00 PM on November 3, 2025, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

Fond memories and heartfelt condolences may be left gor the Goldmith family at www.palmnortwest.com.