Colonel Jimmie Giles Crain

Colonel Jimmie G. Crain September 08, 1936-September 30, 2025 Colonel Jimmie Giles Crain-known to most as Jim-passed away peacefully in his home on September 30 at age 89. We were all drawn to Jim's welcoming spirit. His decency and charm made him a pillar in every community in which he lived. He was a patriot & lived his life as such, leaving an indelible mark on every heart he touched.
Born in Duncan, Oklahoma, to Boyd and Maureen Crain, Jim grew up in Midland, Texas. He soloed in the Boy Scouts airplane at age 16, earning his pilot's certificate. Upon graduating from Midland High School, he attended New Mexico State University as a Co-Op student at Chance Vought Aircraft in Grand Prairie, Texas. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering (aeronautical option). In 1960, fresh from graduation, he married Marilyn Kay Kinney-his partner for 66 years. They moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where Jim had a position as a mechanical engineer in General Electric's Jet Engine Division. Later a National Foundation Science Scholarship at NMSU led him and a growing family back to Las Cruces, where he completed his Master's in Engineering. The sixties & early seventies were indeed busy years for Jim & young family.
In 1962 he completed Pilot training at Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring, Texas. Jim served 27 years on active duty and in the Air National Guard, retiring as a Colonel. While in the military he flew the F-100 Super Sabre and A-7D Corsair. Jim participated in the Quiet Birdman, Daedalians, Super Sabre Society, Silver Wings, and MOAA organizations. In 2025 he was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilots Award. He was a charter member in the U.S. Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio; the National WASP WWII Museum in Sweetwater, Texas; & the British­ American Air Museum in Great Britain. Early on in his military career he participated in NASA's astronaut exams at Lovelace Clinic in Albuquerque-foiled only by timing and age.
While in Air National Guard units in Ohio Jim served as vice president at Clippard Instrument Laboratory, flying various and advanced Beechcraft planes for sales calls, family visits, and vacations. Retiring in 2002 to a hangar home in Granbury, Texas (Pecan Plantation) with Kay, he enjoyed a series of personal aircraft. He loved wandering to other hangars & trading pilot tales. As an Instructor Pilot he taught young aviators with infectious zeal and engaged in check rides with others. He stayed fit on tennis courts, playing often before easing into only weekly group breakfasts/lunches.
Family anchored Jim. With Kay, he raised son Mark and daughter Tera Lynn Crain Barnes, who he fiercely loved. He reveled aviation tales to his grandsons Brendan, Conor, and Whitaker during all visits.
Survivors include Kay, Mark (Kristie), Tera (Scott Schneider), sister Wilma, niece Zanglin Crain Platt, and nephews Cooper and Taylor Kinney.
Jim's legacy soars: a Pilot who conquered the skies, a father who grounded his family in love, and a friend who brightened the world. He is deeply missed and forever remembered.
Graveside services with full U.S. Air Force military honors: 2 p.m., Thursday, October 23, 2025, Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.
On Saturday, October 25th from 5-8 pm family & friends will give a Final Salute to Jim at the Pecan Plantation Clubhouse.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking friends to support the EAA's Chapter 983 "Young Eagle's Flight" program. Donations may be sent to President, Richard Keyt at 9608 Taxiway Drive, Granbury, Texas.