James H. Waldman 17th TAS Commander 1974-1976
James H. Waldman, Colonel USAF (retired), 74, of Vacaville, passed away suddenly on December 5, 2008, at the UC Davis Medical Center.  He was born August 18, 1934, in New York City. Educated at Dartmouth College, Jim was commissioned as a 2Lt in the Air Force in 1955.  He enjoyed an accomplished twenty-five-year career as an officer and C-130 pilot which included service in Vietnam and numerous other locations worldwide.  After retiring in 1980, he was a commercial loan officer for Bank of America, and later worked as a financial advisor.  He was an avid skier and tennis player all his life.  Jim and his wife were members of Congregation B’nai Israel in Vallejo. Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ann, his brother Roger of New York City, his daughter Patty of San Rafael, CA, his son Jeff of Los Altos, CA, and 2 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the McCune Garden Chapel in Vacaville at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, followed by internment with military honors at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon.  The family will receive visitors at their Vacaville home Wednesday afternoon from 12-3 p.m. and from 6-9 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's name may be sent to the UCSF Foundation, P.O. Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339.  Inquiries should be made to the McCune Garden Chapel at 707-448-6546.
General Ramsay, It is with great sorrow that I am writing to inform you of the death of my father on Friday, December 5th…  From countless conversations with my father I can say with great confidence that Dad's tour as the 17th squadron commander was his favorite assignment in the Air Force (1 Apr 1974- 21 Jun 1976).  He frequently spoke with great fondness about the flying, the mission, Alaska, and the men he served with.  I know you have an extensive list of Firebirds from Dad's era, so please forward this sad news on to those who may have served with him at Elmendorf from 1970 to 1976.  In case this message misses you I have copied Ernie Barnett on this message.  (Editor’s Note: Mrs. Waldman’s address is available upon request from former Firebirds.) Very Respectfully, (Signed) Jeff Waldman, Lt Col 129 RQW/SE California Air National Guard Moffett Field CA  94035