James Albert Rockhold

James Albert Rockhold of Port Orange, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on July 27th, 2015 with his loving wife and daughters by his side. He was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1939 to James Alton Rockhold and Helen Gray Rockhold. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his grandparents, Albert Gray and Sallie Shaver Gray, George Rockhold and Essie Potter Rockhold and brother, Preston Rockhold. Jim received his pilot's license at age 16, which sparked his lifetime love of aviation. As a young man, he enjoyed teaching flight and ground school to future pilots. After graduating from Louisiana State University, he was commissioned into the U.S. Navy and eventually became a Commanding Officer in the VR3 Squadron flying cargo aircraft around the world. Upon leaving the service, he began his commercial flying career with National Airlines, followed by Pan American and Delta, from which he retired as Captain in 1997. After retirement, he and a friend took on the challenge of building an experimental airplane. Jim was an elder at Port Orange Presbyterian Church where he taught adult Sundayschool for several years. He was also an accomplished tennis player, and enjoyed tennis with friends at Spruce Creek Fly-In. Above all, Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jane Waln Rockhold and two daughters, Holly Jeffries (Matthew) and Amy Wang (Albert), five grandchildren, Erik, Cassidy and Skylar Jeffries and Annabelle and Albert James Wang along with sister, Sally Ann Martin (Dyke). He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, August 22nd at Port Orange Presbyterian Church, 4662 South Clyde Morris Blvd. Condolences may be shared at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home, Port Orange.