James Edward Gilliland, Col, USAF, (Retired) passed away peacefully on September 17, 2022 at the ageof 89.He was born in Ottumwa, Iowa on June 17, 1933. He grew up in a Christian home and waspreceded in death by his parents James Leslie and Mayme Ethel. He leaves behind his loving wife of 69years, Neva Bessie. He is survived by his sister Gloria Davidson and his four children: Dr. David Gillilandand his wife Janet, Captain Kent Gilliland, Delta Air Lines (Retired) and his wife Cynthia, Brent Gilliland,Col, USAF (Retired), and Connie Ede and her husband Carl. He has also left a Godly legacy to his eightgrandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.Born the younger of two children, James grew up in a changing time throughout the tides of war andpeace. The seed of patriotism was planted during these early years, and he was committed to serving hiscountry. While attending Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa he met the love of his life and marriedNeva Bessie Dobbins on August 29, 1953. He graduated, with her love and support, as the DistinguishedMilitary Graduate of the US Air Force ROTC Program. When he graduated, the war in Korea was over.Despite the conclusion of the war, James decided he would follow his path to joining the United StatesAir Force in 1954.The following six years were full of challenging and changing times, as James went through navigatorand pilot training programs while also starting a family with Neva welcoming four children into theirlives. James and Neva were a great team who were committed to each other, committed to raising theirfour children, but most of all committed to their passed away and Savior Jesus Christ.While the Vietnam War was officially declared in 1959, James did not immediately go into the frontlines. Until 1965, nearly six years after the beginning of the conflict in Vietnam, he led various flighttraining programs and helped build the flight training program at the Air Force Academy. Two yearslater, he received orders for combat crew training in preparation for tactical air reconnaissance missionsin Vietnams theater of operation. In 1967 James was assigned to the 11th Tactical ReconnaissanceSquadron, based in Thailand. Over a period of 169 days, James marked the completion of his 100thmission over North and South Vietnam, an unprecedented accomplishment in such a short period oftime. The dangerous missions he completed helped to contribute to the key strategies during the war,saving countless lives. Throughout his tour in enemy skies, he was a highly decorated RF-4C Pilot whichincluded the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, the DefenseMeritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal. Through all the anxiety accompanied with these missions,James held firm to his beliefs and faith, able to look into his future with the confidence that he was inthe hands of someone much bigger than himself. Even after his combat tours, he continued to holdsenior command positions until his retirement in 1984. After retiring from the Air Force, he was thecomptroller at Cross Publishing, a Christian publishing company providing books and accessories toChristian bookstores around the country. James was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, andgreat-grandfather. He was a generous mentor and a quick friend to all he met.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimers Foundation of America, website: alzfdn.org

Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 12:00 pm in the Brooks Family Chapel of the North Dallas Funeral Home, 2710 Valley View Lane, Dallas, TX 75234. The family will be greeting visitors from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm for visitation and viewing.

Graveside services, with military honors, will follow at 2:30 pm at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211.

Services will be held on Tuesday October 4, 2022 at North Dallas Funeral Home.

Visitation will begin at11:00am

Memorial Service at 12:00pm

led by Dr. Timothy Warren.

James Edward Gilliland, Col, USAF, (Retired) will be laid to rest at the

Dallas-Fort Worth National Veterans MemorialCemetery with Full Military Honors at 2:30pm.

Services have been entrusted to

North Dallas Funeral Home

2710 Valley View Lane

Dallas Texas 75234

2710 Valley View Ln,

Farmers Branch, TX 75234

John P. Brooks receiving the Retirement Flag from Col. James E. Gilliland.

"What an honor to have known such an amazing man" John P. Brooks

Vietnam veteran tells today's Airmen 'stay focused' By Senior Airman Gena Armstrong Det. 12, Air Force News AgencyMISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNEWS) -- The knowledge and experience that Air Force retirees share with current Airmen can help develop careers.Retired Col. James Gilliland holds his audience in rapt attention while he tells stories of his progression as an RF-4C pilot and shares his experiences flying during the Vietnam War. With 30 years of active-duty service and 100 reconnaissance sorties under his belt, he has a lot to share. (READ MORE)