Clifford Alfred James

Clifford Alfred James also known as Cliff, Dad, Grandpa, “Mr. Museum,” “Mr. Fix-It,” as well as loyal friend and patriot, went to be with the Lord on June 19, 2021. He was surrounded by loved ones as he peacefully passed while at Stanford Hospital.

Cliff was a Merced resident for 42 years. He was born July 18, 1932 and was raised in the Seattle, Washington area. His parents were Alfie and Ruth. Throughout his life he had a close relationship with his sister Shirley. They spoke on the phone often and he traveled to Elensburg, Washington to see her whenever he could. Cliff attended Bothell High School and the University of Washington. He married Laurel James in 1954 and had 5 boys.

In 1952 he joined the United States Air Force. He retired in 1984 as a Lt Col with 32 years of service to our country. He had a distinguished career that included many memorable achievements. He completed Aviation Cadet and Basic Pilot Training in 1954. He flew KC-97's, KC-135's, VC-135's and UC-123K's. He was a Command Pilot, Instructor Pilot and Chief Pilot for the Commander in Chief, US Strike Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. In 1970 he graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College. He was then assigned to the Pentagon as an Air Operations Officer and was the Chief Officer for Budget Operations Requirements Review Branch under the Director of Operations. He has shared that his most memorable achievement was being the leader of 30 KC-135's refueling 30 B-52's for Strategic Air Commands first strike mission into Vietnam called ARC LIGHT ONE in 1965. He lead a total of 27 ARC LIGHT missions. His final career assignments included being the Commander of the 5th Organizational Maintenance Squadron in Minot, North Dakota as the senior Aircraft Maintenance Officer. In 1979 his last assignment was to the 93rd Bomb Wing at Castle AFB as the Chief Maintenance Control Division officer. He was directly responsible for directing and managing the maintenance efforts of Strategic Air Command’s largest maintenance unit. He believed this was the most rewarding assignment of his career.

One of Cliff’s greatest joys was time at Lake McClure on his houseboat, the Yankee Clipper. Many happy memories were made with family and friends on the boat. He had incredible skills at knocking riders off tubes and teaching others how to ski or wake board. Many games were played and we often laughed till our stomachs hurt. Children and grandchildren loved being with him but had to withstand Grandpa’s elevator music. He was also known for following you around with a mop so you didn’t get the houseboat deck “dirty.” The lake was his sanctuary. He spent a lot of time up at the lake. He didn’t mind being there alone. He would fish, drink beer, and smoke a cigar while appreciating the beautiful sunsets.

He was a dedicated volunteer… his first passion was Castle Air Museum which was he was a founding member and considered the Patriarch or “Mr. Museum.” He was a member of the Valley Vintage Car club and rode in many parades. He was a member of the Order of Daedalians, a Mason, and an Elk.

He married again in 1975 to Katherine Yvonne Perry James who had 3 children, Ben Perry, Daniel Perry and Melanie Perry-James. They were married for 43 years. They loved going on cruises and seeing the world, and of course visiting all their children.

Cliff is survived by Brent James, Chet James wife Judy Albrecht, Jeff James, Bryce James and Allan James, Ben Perry wife Kim Perry, Melanie Cole husband Jeff Cole and 18 grandchildren and 5 great grand Children. Cliff is preceded in death by Katherine Yvonne James and Daniel Martin Perry.

A special thank you to Barbara Barnett for being such a caring and giving person. She helped to make the last years of life memorable. The two of them were like school kids. Spending time holding hands and watching Hallmark movies.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Friday, June 25th at 9:00 AM at Castle Air Museum located at 5050 Santa Fe Drive in Atwater.

A funeral will be held on Monday, June 28 at 8:30 AM at the Our Lady of Mercy Church located at 459 W. 21st Street in Merced. The burial will be Monday, June 28 at 11:00 AM at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery located at 32053 West McCabe Road in Santa Nella.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Castle Air Museum. http://www.castleairmuseum.org/donate