Brig.Gen.James was a large man he stood 6 foot 4 inches tall,and weighed in a about 230 lbs.
Thirty days after he retired from the Air Force,he passed away,a Heart Attack took the big man's life,on Feb.25,1978,he was only 58 yers old.
His Mom,so many years ago,taught school to young black children for a nickle a day.
Lillie A. James was a very smart woman,where else did "CHAPPIE",get his smarts?
George Roberson,73,a retired Navy veteran who grew up in the same neighboorhood says,"Everytime he flew his plane into Pensacola,when he would pass over the street he was born on,Alcaniz St,he would dip his wings".
James was the youngest of 17 children,his Mom instilled in him which the qualities that helped make him a great leader.
The home that she taught out of is at 1606 Martin Luther King Blvd.It was there that he would learn lessons that would carry him throughtout the rest of his life.
Lillie James passed away in 1957,what a great woman!
They say that his mother's teachings led him to his future destiny.
When she walked into the room the children would sing" good morning dear teacher.Following that she would ask every student to salute the flag,and their hands had better be over their heart.
When he was young they say that when he would hear an airplane go over the house he would run outside to see it.
After attending his Mom's school he attended Washington High School and graduated in 1937,in 1942 he earned a Bachelor's science degree frm the University in Tuskegee Alabama,and completed the Civilian Pilot training program.
Later when World Warll broke he joined the Army Air Corp.,later to become the U.S.Air Force.