James Roy Vick

Jim was born in Alhambra, CA to Roy and Rose Vick.  He attended school in Pasadena and Rainbow, CA and graduated from Fallbrook High School.
Attended LA City College, and obtained his BA in Geography from the University of Southern California (USC) in 1966. He is a member of the Delta Chi fraternity.

Jim served in the United States Air Force for 20 years from 1967 to 1987. Served in VietNam Oct 68 - Nov 69 flying C-123. Some combat missions in 1970 - 1971 out of U Tapao, Thailand.
As a mere Captain, he was Operations Officer at Mather AFB flying KC-135s. Stationed at HQ SAC he didn't like administrative work and somehow finagled a flying job with the "White Tops". He flew dignitaries around the world. He flew Inspector General teams around the nation. He flew KC/RC/C-135 aircraft until he was selected for the KC-10 Tanker Test Team at Barksdale, LA. He served as Chief of Standardization during the Strategic Air Command's Follow-On Operational Test and Evaluation of the KC-10. He was also selected to form the initial cadre bringing KC-10s to March Air Force Base (now March Air Reserve Base).

Jim was a natural pilot. Frequently when someone is a natural at something they are not able to teach it. Jim, however, was an excellent instructor and mentor. He respected every member of the crew and ground crew, whether officer or enlisted, and was able to bring all together to successfully complete the mission and have fun doing it. Words they use to describe him, "Teacher, Mentor, Friend, True Pilot"

He was a command pilot with over 6500 hours, including over 1600 combat hours in Southeast Asia, 3000 hours in the KC-135 and 2100 hours in the KC-10. His decorations include the
Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
Following retirement from the Air Force he flew for Continental Airlines for 11 years as co-pilot on DC-10 and then 737. For much of that time he was based out of Hawaii flying some of the
same Southeast Asia routes he flew during the war and with the KC-10. He was chosen as part of the charter crew that brought embassy personnel back from Tienamen Square. His last
assignment was flying 737 based out of Cleveland, OH where he learned to enjoy shorter flights around the country and exploring various cities.

He lived in places too numerous to mention, but spent the last 21 years in Lake Mathews, CA. He called it our little bit of paradise. He spent his retirement restoring cars, playing golf, projects around the house, and watching the many different kinds of birds and coyotes passing through here. He put himself through college as a photographer and, once he got a digital camera, never looked back. His photos of the wildlife in our backyard are cherished by all who knew him.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Roy and Rose Vick. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Vick, sister, Nancy and her husband Bob Risen, ex-wife, Barbara Vick, sons Cameron Vick and Jason Vick, and three grandchildren.

Graveside/Military Honors at Riverside National Cemetery at 11:15 AM on 31 August 2018. Reception immediately following at (Pending)

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's association are appreciated.

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