COL James K. Sluis, '66, USAF (Retired)

Colonel James Kenneth “Jim” Sluis, United States Air Force {Retired} of Marshall, Virginia was called to a higher mission on December 22, 2013; but his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those he served and worked with, and those who love him.

Having graduated from Weslaco High School in Weslaco, Texas, he continued his journey being selected for the Air Force ROTC Squadron Commander, “Hustling One” at Texas A & M University. Graduating in the Class of 1966, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Successful 27 years of distinguished service as a fighter pilot and staff officer led him to all parts of the world with increasing leadership responsibilities, awards, and recognitions. Highlights of his successful military career included completing a combat tour in Vietnam with Fighter Squadron 309, completing 275 successful combat sorties and being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Air Medal with two silver and two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. Having been meritoriously selected to attend the ASTRA pilot program at the Pentagon, he was subsequently assigned to a Royal Air Force Unit in Upper Heyford, England. His career then carried him to Camp Casey on the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), South Korea, and back to Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico where he served as Commander of an F-111 Fighter Squadron, providing support of Operation Bright Star in Cairo, Egypt, and on to Oman, Jordan to make U.S.A.F. history as the first F-111 unit to fly there. Returning to the R.A.F. Lakenheath, England, he was reassigned to Lindsey Air Station, Wiesbaden, Germany as the 7100 Combat Support Wing Commander, and on to the Defense Mapping Agency where he retired as Chief of Staff.

Having completed a distinguished military career and receiving the prestigious “Legion of Merit,” Jim transitioned into a successful 15-year business venture as co-owner of MELOS, a library and school furniture installation firm.

Jim peacefully continued his mission on Earth with family members at his side. Awaiting the end of this mission are his beloved parents, Norman and Cecilia Sluis, leaving behind brothers Norm and wife, Beth of Mooresville, Indiana; and Ken and wife, Linda of Richwood, Texas: also nine nieces and nephews; and his loving caretaker he often referred to as his “adopted daughter,” Kimberly Lykins of Strasburg, Virginia.

Never wanting to leave his beloved Virginia home, a celebration of his life will be held on his estate this spring, followed by final interment in the Texas A & M University “Aggie Field of Honor” in College Station, Texas.