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Teresa James Obituary
Teresa James was a patriot and a pioneer.
In September 1942, when the U.S. Army Air Corps called for civilian women pilots to deliver planes from factories to airfields throughout the nation, she was one of 28 original members of the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron.
By December 1944, when the renamed Women's Airforce Service Pilots disbanded, she had become certified in 20 different planes, made a significant contribution to the war effort, and helped prove women had a place in the U.S. military.
Maj. Teresa Dorothy James, a longtime resident of Lake Worth, died July 26 at Hospice of Palm Beach County after a brief illness. She was 94.
"We broke ground for the rest of them," Maj. James said in 2002, when Lake Worth Mayor Rodney Romano proclaimed Veterans Day Teresa D. James and WASPs Day. "I don't care how small or how big the occasion, I'm glad they know women pilots flew in World War II."
A native of Pittsburgh, Maj. James earned her pilot's license in 1934, performing her signature 26-turn spin in air shows before going on to earn a commercial pilot's license in 1941 when the call went out for WAFS pilots.
On Oct. 22, 1942, she was one of six women pilots to fly the first ferry mission, delivering an L-4B from Lockhaven, Pa., to Mitchel Field, on New York's Long Island.
In the summer of 1944, she was assigned to deliver a P-47 pursuit plane from Farmingdale, N.Y., to Indiana. In Indiana, she was given another plane, which she delivered to California, where she brought a P-51 Mustang to Florida. And so on. When she finally returned to the WASP headquarters in Wilmington, Del., her one-day trip had lasted four weeks.
In 1950, she was commissioned as a major in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, in which she served until her retirement in 1976.
It was during a delivery to Morrison Field — now Palm Beach International Airport — that Maj. James discovered Lake Worth, where she moved in the late 1960s.
Despite their unquestioned contributions, WASP members were considered civil service employees, ineligible for the pay and benefits given to male pilots until 1977, when President Jimmy Carter signed legislation granting them veteran status with some benefits.
Maj. James is survived by her sister, Betty Hribar of West Palm Beach; a brother, Herbert, of Pittsburgh; and a nephew, Charles James, of Hobe Sound.
She was cremated and will be interred in Pittsburgh.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Palm Beach County, (877) 494-6890.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Teresa James
Deborah Henriksen
May 24, 2020
Never met Maj. James but Im impressed and grateful for her service. RIP
Me in Aunt Tutu
Jessica James
July 1, 2016
Aunt Tutu
Jessica James
July 1, 2016
Love you Aunt Tutu
Jessica James
July 1, 2016
She was my Great Aunt Tutu, the most amazing women I knew. There's not a day that goes by that i dnt think about you. The last rosary you gave me hangs on my rear view mirror. I tell my kids about how amazing there Great Great Aunt Teresa was. I tell them thats y there is 2 Greats n front of her name. In thats still not enough. I love you n miss you so much. Forever n our hearts. Love Jessica James
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Jessica James
June 3, 2015
Always n my heart I will never forget you. I love you Aunt Tutu and miss you dearly.
Tamara
July 25, 2014
Hey girl ... how ya doin' up there? No more rattlin' the rosaries, huh. Tell the gang Hi for me will ya! I miss you like the devil.
Robin
February 6, 2011
I am so sad to discover so long after the fact my dear TJ is gone on to better things. I had more fun being her 'personal pilot' and friend than words can say. She was a most special person and this world loses much without her presence. Blue skies and CAVU woman.. we shall meet again, of that I have not doubt.
Elizabeth Mavis
September 12, 2010
I watched an American Experince DVD just today and discovered that after WWII Teresa had been a bush pilot in Alaska. I was in Public Health way after she was a pilot, but depended on bush pilots to get me to villages. She sounded like a great and courageous lady!
Sarah Versaw Sable
August 14, 2008
My father was in the Civil Air Patrol in Allegheny County, Pa. (F. F. Versaw) He flew out of a small airport where we as a family would go to watch him fly. I remember times from 1938 to 1945 sitting at that airport and hearing the name Teresa James who my father flew with and knew. Did Betty also fly as a remember a time when she received her license at the airport. Now you must remember, I was probably 8 at the time and am now 78 a long time ago and a lot of childhood memories surfacing. I remember the respect the male pilots had for Teresa. Dave Kirk, Wayne Holyman. some others that flew at that time with my Dad. Yesterday I pulled out pictures I have from the airport and the airplanes including the one piper cub that my Dad owned.
God Bless the remaining family of an outstanding woman who had many friends and an honorable career.
Sarah Versaw Sable
24 Wedgewood Lane
Fox Chapel, Pa 15215
412-963-7775
Jack Sable
August 13, 2008
I never met Teresa James, but, as a boy, I lived 3 streets away from her in Penn Township in the late 30s and early 40s.
I clearly remember her shiny blue bi-plane flying out of Wilkinsburg Airport. I learned the nature of the gal then as she used to pretend that she was diving on any of the ladies who might be hanging out their wash in our neighborhood giving them quite a fright. You might almost hear her chuckles.
This was at the time that All American Aviation was doing airmail pick-ups at Wilkinsburg Airport by snatching the bags from a line strung between 2 poles.
I also remember the time that Teresa ran out in a nearby field and diverted another bi-plane in trouble to a safe, foggy landing in a field across the road from her house on Frankstown Road. In the poor visibility conditions, the pilot was attempting to land in what actually was a gully. Teresa probably saved his life.
Teresa James -- truly one of a kind.
Sarah Byrn Rickman
August 7, 2008
Teresa,
Fly high my friend. You were -- and still are -- an inspiration to me. Your help with my WAFS book THE ORIGINALS was a godsend. And we had such fun in the process! Once more: THANK YOU and Godspeed flying West.
Dec.5, 2003 Teresa at Rosa Parks Celebration
jim/joanne kelly
August 6, 2008
Oh Teresa, you are missed. We met Teresa doing a blurb about her for our neighborhood newsletter over 10 years ago. She has been a friend ever since. She always made you feel so special and that she enjoyed your company, because she enjoyed life so much. What a sense of humor and her stories were so fun to hear. We especially remember about her flying across the United States with no radio, being a Bush Pilot in Alaska,meeting Bob Hope and Jimmy Durante, receiving the special tribute in the Twin Towers in August 2001. We will never think of her without laughing. What a gal! She had a special devotion to St. Theresa, the little flower.
michael sullivan
August 3, 2008
michael sullivan , atlanta ga
Kimberly Elsholz
August 3, 2008
I had the honor of meeting Teresa at the Women Military Aviators Conference/ WASP Reunion in Las Vegas, 1999. When I told her I owned a copy of her book "On Wings To War", she gave me her address so I could send it to her to have signed. She sent it back with extra photos of her, articles, etc. She said, "Keep breaking the barriers, they will crumble like the Berlin Wall. Never give up!" Teresa, I will do just that. Thank you for opening that door. You will be missed!
Rosemary Kearns Balsley
August 1, 2008
Teresa and I had so many fun times together in her plane flying out of the airport in Wilkinsburg. She was a great gal and loved life. She dated my brother Chuck , with Don my husband and I tagging along. I send my thoughts and prayers to the rest of the family. Love Rrosemary
Todd
August 1, 2008
Teresa was a very nice lady. she was a customer of mine and was always plesent and had great stories to tell. She will be missed. My condolences to her family.
Teresa James at Farmingdale, NY, June 2001
Julia Lauria-Blum
August 1, 2008
Teresa was a joy to know and it was an honor to call her friend. I will never forget her.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family at this time of sorrow.
Jackie Keller
August 1, 2008
Teresa - I know you can hear us down here - I'll never forget when I met you - you were a neighbor of my mom's and I heard that you were a pilot for the Army back in 42 I was amazed - what an honor for me to have had the opportunity to meet and spend time with you. My Mom, Eva also loved you very much. Our deepest condolences go out to the rest of your family.
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