James Edward Trask

Colonel James E Trask, USAF, retired, aged 88, passed away peacefully at home in Williamsburg on July 12, 2009. Jim was born in Michigan City, Indiana. One of his proudest accomplishments was attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, BSA. He received a BS in Aeronautical Engineering at Purdue University and an MBA at the College of William and Mary. His first love was flying and he joined the Army Air Corps in 1941. He was in the first group of American pilots to be sent to England, flying the B-17 in combat, serving in the 482nd Bomb Group (Pathfinders). He served his country faithfully and with pride until his retirement in 1970 at Hqtrs TAC, Langley Air Force Base. Jim's public service continued after retirement in Williamsburg where he taught at the business school at the College of William and Mary. He was admired by many of his students that kept in touch with him after graduation. He was involved in several organizations including the Crown Colony Club, Order of the Golden Star – Theta Xi Fraternity, Beta Gamma Sigma (national scholastic honor society, Virginia Chapter of the 8th Air Force Historical Society (past president), American Legion, The Quiet Birdmen, and the Daedalians (a fraternity of military pilots). Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Irma Nygren Trask. He is survived by children James D. Trask and his wife Melissa, Jeffrey S. Trask, and Apryl T. Altman and her husband Dave; grandchildren David Altman, Christy Altman, Allison T. Lawhorn and her husband Jason, Kevin Altman and his wife Jena, Megan Trask, Caitlyn Trask, and Thomas Trask; and great-grandchildren Vanessa Altman and Jacob Lawhorn. Family and friends will gather at Nelsen Funeral Home 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd Williamsburg on Friday, July 17, 2009 from 2-4 pm and again from 6-8 pm. Colonel Trask will be laid to final rest at Arlington National Cemetery on October 5, 2009 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum P.O. Box 1992, Savannah, GA 31402 or the Mason School of Business, College of William and Mary P.O. Box 1693, Williamsburg, VA 23187-8779. Online condolences may be registered at www.nelsencares.com.