James Edwin Liles

Jim was was born on March 3, 1925 to his parents Mary Ruth and Minard Otis Liles in Birmingham, Alabama. He was educated at Phillips High School in Birmingham, but he gained his strong work ethic and the practical skills of a farm boy by working alongside his dad and grand dad during the Great Depression. After high school, he participated in the Navy’s V12 program at Howard College, now Samford University.

Jim met Naomi Aderholt at church, where their courtship began on the porch of the Grove Park Inn while they were attending Ridgecrest, a Baptist church retreat. They married shortly after Jim earned his commission as a Naval Aviator. Jim and Naomi embraced their life as a military couple, setting out for their first tour in Ottumwa, Iowa. They raised their three girls during fascinating tours at such Navy towns as Norfolk, Pensacola, Oakland, CA, and San Diego in addition to tours on Guam, the Pentagon in Washington DC, and the US Embassy in Mexico City. The family was exposed to different cultures and lived history first hand in Washington DC, during the early sixties. It was a wonderful life.

As a Naval Officer, Jim served in a photo squadron and as Navigator on the carrier USS Bennington and as Executive Officer on the carrier USS Lexington. However, his favorite assignment was as a pilot in ferry squadron VR 31 in Norfolk, VA. Pop Jeddy, as he was known to his family, took the family, including his great grandson and grand nephew, to the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola last summer. They were in awe as he described the planes and told their stories. During his career, he had flown most of the planes on display.

Jim and Naomi returned to Pensacola to retire. He first came to Pensacola as a young ensign, and as a retiree he pursued his passions of flying, sailing, and music. There probably wasn’t a day, working or retired, that he didn’t come home and sit down at the piano, playing by ear. Weekends were often spent at “the boat.” He taught flying lessons at Ferguson’s Air Field, and flew his Cessna for trips to visit family and to take his “three angels” on thrilling rides.

Jim and Naomi moved to Azalea Trace where they were active members of the community. Big Jim endeared himself to residents and staff alike with his humor, intellect, and sharing his love of music by playing the organ at social hour and for worship services.

Our family extends gratitude to the staff of Azalea Trace and to the many medical professionals who gave such wonderful support and care to our father.

Jim was predeceased by his sister Marty. He is survived by sister, Mary Ruth and by daughters Deda, Jenni, and Terri. He had four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who gave him great joy and support.

The Liles family will reunite at a later time in Pensacola to celebrate the lives of Jim and Naomi.

Donations are welcome:

Samford University

Attn: University Advancement

800 Lakeshore Drive

Birmingham, AL 35229

Please include on the memo line: Liles-Fountain Scholarship

If people wish to donate online they can go to: Samford.edu/give

Veterans Flight: Donations to Veterans Flight are tax deductible. Checks should be payable to Veterans Flight, Inc., and mailed to:

Veterans Flight, Inc:

438 East Government Street

Pensacola, Florida 32502.

Waterfront Mission: https://waterfrontmission.org/ways-to-give/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oaklawnfunerals.com for the Liles family.