James W Aycock Jr (1933 - 2011)

Born 24 Feb 1933 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina, United States

Died 11 Jun 2011 at age 78 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, United States

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Biography

Colonel James Aycock, Jr. (USAF Retired) entered into eternal rest on June 11, 2011 at the age of 78. He was born in Greensboro, NC and at age 5, moved with his parents to Atlanta, GA. Consequently his entire education was in the Atlanta school system. After graduating from high school, he attended Emory University receiving his B.A. in Geology. Upon graduation he was employed as a Geologist by the state of Georgia.

In June 1955, Col. Aycock entered the U.S. Air Force as a 2Lt. from the ROTC Program. This began a military career that lasted 26 years, from which he retired with the rank of Col. And the aeronautical rating of Command Pilot.

After graduating from flight school he was assigned to the Aerospace Defense Command, flying the F-89, F-102, & F-106 all weather interceptors. His foreign service includes tours in Iceland and Vietnam.

He received the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Award and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. His last assignment on active duty was in the NORAD Combat Operations Center at Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs. Col.

Aycock became a Freemason in 1977 and served his Masonic Lodge as Master in 1984. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite. He was coroneted a 33' Inspector General (honorary) and served Colorado as Grandmaster of Masons of Colorado in 1995.

He was an active member in his community of Colorado Springs, having served on the Board of Directors of the Pikes Peak Mental Health Association, acted as a volunteer visitor to nursing homes and as an advisor to Congressman Joel Hefley on military affairs.

Both he and his wife Jackie were members of Calvary United Methodist Church where they both taught the Bethel Bible Series. Col. And Mrs. Aycock had resided in Air Force Village II in San Antonio, TX.

He is survived by his children, James, Charles, and Nora who reside in Colorado.

Interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors.

Freemasonry

He was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Colorado in 1995.

Sources

• Find A Grave: Memorial #71595454
  • Plot: Section 71, Site 553