Jim was born in Richlands, Virginia on September 21, 1931, to Gallie Friend and Ada Mae VanDyke. He attended Honaker High School and continued on to receive training and certification in aircraft maintenance with the United States Air Force.
Jim had a career starting in the Army Air Corps, subsequently the United States Air Force, providing logistics support to various aircraft as a mechanic, crew chief and maintenance controller. During an assignment to the United Kingdom, Jim met and married Pamela Evelyn Austin on February 29, 1953; they were married 66 years. Jim said that she was the best souvenir he could have brought back from Europe.
He retired from the United States Air Force after serving 20 years, 6 months and 2 days (but who’s counting). He had a second career with the US Postal Service and retired in Springfield, Ohio after 20 years of faithful service. He enjoyed fishing and was a member of the American Legion.
Jim is survived by his wife Pamela, son Michael (Carolyn), daughter Donna VanDyke Ericson (Mark), and grandsons Seth and Miles.
A graveside service will be held at 2PM Friday, March 16th at Evergreen Cemetery in Stanton, Texas.
