James Peter Erickson

James Peter Erickson Colonel, United States Air Force, Retired Colonel James Peter Erickson passed away on August 17, 2005, at the age of 68. James was born on February 20, 1937, in Portland, Oregon to Swedish immigrant parents. He entered the Air Force through ROTC at Oregon State University. In 1959 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He earned his pilot’s wings in 1960 at Laredo Air Force Base, Texas (Class 61-Delta). James subsequently served his Country in a variety of Strategic Air Command Assignments. During the course of his 30-year military career, James served in nine different states and four foreign countries. Rated as a Command Pilot, James had more than 5,000 flying hours, including more than 800 in combat over Southeast Asia. James flew a variety of aircraft including the KC-135 tanker, F4-C Phantom fighter, T-33, T-38, O-2 and T-41. James served two tours of duty in Southeast Asia as a Forward Air Controller in 1968 and 1969. He later served as a Tactical Air Operations Officer in Thailand in 1974 and 1975. James was an Instructor Pilot at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. James also served as the Surface Operations Officer for the Pacific Commander-in-Chief in Honolulu, Hawaii. There he supported the highest level visits by national and foreign dignitaries. From 1982 to 1989, James’ final assignment was as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Fifteenth Air Force Headquarters at March Air Force Base. James was a key figure in a variety of decisions affecting the organization and development of America’s strategic nuclear forces. James received dozens of personal decorations including the Legion of Merit; Distinguished Flying Cross; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal with Fifteen Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Two Oak Leaf Clusters; Combat Readiness Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon; Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with Six Oak Leaf Clusters; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Force Training Ribbon; Civil Action Honor Medal; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device; and, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. James enjoyed fishing, spending time in his garden and walking his dog. He was active in several organizations including the Air Force Appreciation Committee, the Law Enforcement Appreciation Committee, The Elks, Rotary International and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. James deeply loved his family and is survived by his wife of 42 years Terry Ann, his son and daughter-in-law, James and Lisa and his two grandchildren, Lauren Catherine and Ryan James. Funeral services will be held at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Riverside California on August 24, 2005 at 11:00 AM. Interment with full military honors will be later that day at Riverside National Cemetery (Staging Area 6) at 2:30 PM. The family requests donations to be made to The Melanoma Research Foundation, 24 Old Georgetown Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 (1-800-MRF-1290, www.melanoma.org). Family assisted by Preston and Simons Mortuary 3358 Mission Inn Avenue Riverside, California 92502-3303 (951)683-7410

James Peter Erickson

February 20, 1937 - August 17, 2005