James D. Thompson

James Thompson, Col. USAF Ret. age 80, of Papillion, Nebraska passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021. James was born April 1, 1941 in Algona Iowa to Alrie & Ericca (Bunting) Thompson. He Graduated from Benson High School in Omaha, NE in 1959. He earned his bachelors degree in chemistry from the University of Omaha in 1963. He did graduate work in industrial management at North Dakota State University in 1978. He also completed Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Industrial College of the Armed Forces by correspondence.

He entered the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1963. After commissioning as a 1st Lieutenant, he attended undergraduate navigator training at James Connelly Air Force Base, Texas from August 1963 to July 1964. He attended navigator-bombardier training at Mather Air Force Base, Calif. until February 1965.

Beginning in February 1965, he attended survival training at Stead Air Force Base, NV. and B-52 combat crew training at Castle Air Force Base, Calif. He was then assigned to the 320th Bomb Wing at Mather Air Force Base, Calif. as a B-52 navigator from June 1965 to September 1967. During his stay at Mather, he flew 27 missions in support of ARC LIGHT out of Guam from December 1965 to April 1966.

He then transitioned to C-141A Starlifters in September 1967 and was assigned to the 437th Military Airlift Wing as a navigator at Charleston Air Base, S.C. While there he flew 52 combat missions.

From February to December 1969, he was involved with the activation and training of the 14th Special Operations Wing as an AC-119K gunship navigator at Lockbourne Air Force Base, Ohio. He moved with the wing to Danang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam in December 1969 and flew 125 combat missions.

He returned to Mather Air Force Base, Calif. in December 1970 as a navigator-bombardier instructor with the 323rd Flying Training Wing. During this time, he was involved in the initial development of course material for the Short Range Attack Missile. He took the material to the field, instructing Strategic Air Command aircrews in the new weapon system.

In October 1974, he attended B-52 combat crew training for the second time at Castle Air Force Base, Calif. and was hen assigned to the 319th Bombardier Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. While at Grand Forks, he served as squadron radar navigator, wing Short Range Attack Missile officer and wing plans officer.

He joined the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff as chief of Far Eastern Single Integrated Operations Plan Tactics from January 1978 to June 1981. He was assigned to Headquarters Strategic Air Command as chief of the aircraft tactics division from June 1981 to June 1983.

He moved to March Air Force Base, Calif. in June 1983 and served as chief of the tactics branch. He earned the rank of Colonel in June of 1984.

Following his assignment at March Air Force Base, he was assigned to the 4th Air Division at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Cheyenne WY. in June 1987 as the Director of Operations. He subsequently became Chief of Staff of the 4th Air Division. After the Air Force closed its Air Division, he moved across base and became the Deputy Commander of Resources for the 90th Strategic Missile Wing, the largest Strategic Missile wing in the Air Force.

In July 1990, He was transferred to Offutt Air Force Base, NE. as the Deputy Commander of resources, 55th Strategic Reconnacence Wing. He retired from the Air Force in August or 1991.

He is a master navigator with more than 5000 hours and 204 combat missions. His military awards and decorations include the distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Meritorious Service medal, meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with nine oak leaf clusters, and Air Force Commendation Medal.

After his retirement from the Air Force he went back to college and received his teaching certificate and taught High School Chemistry at the Papillion-LaVista High School for 9 years.

He was a member of the Military Officers Association, The UNO Alumni Association, The Benson High School Alumni Association, The American Legion, and the Papillion Lions Club.

He is preceded in death by his Wife Lydia, and Brother Arden.

He is survived by Sons: Chris (Jennifer) Thompson, Jeffrey (Dawn) Thompson. Grandchildren: Marin & Henry Thompson