James A. "Jim" Gillaspie

1932 - 2011

James A. "Jim" Gillaspie died on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 in Yuma at the age of 78. He succumbed to injuries from an automobile accident.

Jim was born in Tularosa, New Mexico on August 10, 1932. The family moved several times before settling in Blythe, California, where Jim went to grade school. They moved to Yuma in 1947 where Jim attended Yuma High School for three years. The family moved to Socorro, New Mexico, where Jim finished his high school education.

Jim spent 4 years in the Navy during the Korean War. He was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS Oriskany. After his discharge, he went to the University of Arizona and obtained a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering.

He began working at Yuma Proving Ground in June 1960 and retired from there in January 1988. At YPG he was a supervisory mechanical engineer in both the Air Delivery Division and the Munitions and Weapons Division. He then worked for Cortez III and EC III.

Jim had many hobbies and interests. He was active for many years as a mission-rated senior pilot with the Civil Air Patrol. He rebuilt and flew a number of aircraft. He was a soaring pilot and a balloon pilot. He built a kit car. He did research and conducted oral histories for the Historical Society. He located the "City of Yuma Airplane," which set the endurance record of 1124 hours in continuous flight in 1949. He helped with its restoration and flew the plane in the 50th anniversary celebration. He also co-authored the book entitled "The Longest Flight, Yuma's Quest for the Future," authored articles published in various aviation magazines and made oral presentations to various groups.

Jim is survived by his wife, Karen of Yuma; sons, James Gillaspie of Albany, NY and Howard Scott (Donna) Gillaspie of Yuma; daughter, Sandy Patane of Yuma; grandchildren Justin Patane, Erin (Chris) Velardo, Katie Patane, Nikki Patane, Seth Gillaspie, and Ellie Gillaspie; great-grandchildren, Mina Velardo, Sebi Patane, Lucky Patane, Frankie Patane, Devan Patane and Jordan Patane; brother, Terry (Beverly) Gillaspie of Boonton, NJ; sister, Billie Cansler of Yuma; various nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James C. and Iva Gillaspie and brother-in-law, Glen Cansler.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 21 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception at the Yuma Golf and Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Yuma Endurance Flight Airplane Fund. Those checks should be mailed to the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, ATTN: Tina Clark, 180 W. First Street, Suite E, Yuma, AZ 85364.