James Reardon

James Robert Reardon was born on January 16, 1936, to James Edward and Delores Reardon in Duluth, Minnesota. James passed away on January 5, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend and his presence will be deeply missed.

James, “Jim”, was raised in San Francisco and spent many hours in museums while his parents worked. He had a paper route and was very motivated at a young age. Jim went to International Falls at age 12 with his mother and graduated from International Falls High School. He was the captain of his football team and was active in theater productions.

Jim loved life and always wanted to be a pilot. He joined the Army as a reserve and went to the University of Minnesota. He then joined the Air Force and graduated from pilot training. He was chosen for a special commission at the White House as one of four elite pilots whose job it was to rescue the president in case of a war or attack. He served President Eisenhower, President Kennedy, and President Johnson.

He came to Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas and met Viola Walton whom he married in 1959.

They moved to Germany and Jim was in charge of the Berlin Corridor. He traveled all over the world and had many adventures. One of the favorite stories he told was when he flew a helicopter and landed on President’s Island in New York, took a ferry over to New York City, bought a necklace for his wife, and flew back home.

The Reardon’s came back to Lubbock where Jim worked at Reese Air Force Base as a data management director and flight simulator. He also graduated from Texas Tech during this time. His son, Michael Reardon, was born in 1971 in Lubbock, Texas.

Jim retired and later became president of Texas Tech’s Moms and Dads. He was an active member of Dandelions Round Table and Rotary Club for many years.

His wife, Viola, passed away in 2016.

Jim met his wife Dellwyn in an Alzheimer’s support group. They said marriage vows to each other and were married in May of 2022.

Jim loved to sail his sailboat, fly drones, and enjoyed his life to the fullest.

Jim is survived by his wife Dellwyn McSpadden Reardon, his son Michael Reardon and wife Jenni, his three grandchildren, Brendan, Jillian, and Megan, son Steve Rucker and wife Stacy, and three grandchildren Corie Barron and wife Kimberly, Chellsea Malson and husband Casey, Shani Taylor and husband Marcus, and seven great-grandchildren.