James H. Gillard
August 25, 1928 ~ March 30, 2017 (age 88) 88 Years OldShare using:
James Howard Gillard, of Dover, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2017, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88. James served in the United States Air Force as a Pilot and Meteorologist, retiring in June 1976 in the grade of Colonel following thirty years of service. He served in Europe and in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
His last three assignments were as Wing Commander of the 3rd Weather Wing, the 9th Weather Reconnaissance Wing and the 41st Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance Wing. These assignments found him serving as Staff Director for Weather for the Strategic Air Command (SAC), and responsible for conducting the global Hurricane and Typhoon aerial reconnaissance program for the Department of Defense, as well as directing the USAF aerial rescue mission throughout the western half of the U. S. , Alaska and the Pacific ocean areas.
Following retirement from the USAF, he served as the Executive Director and Administrator of DAST (Delaware Administration for Specialized Transportation) until 1989. More recently he served as a member of the Kent General Hospital Board and taught courses in Physical Science for the University of Delaware.
He holds an Undergraduate Degree in Meteorology from Florida State University, a Masters Degree in Meteorology from the University of Wisconsin and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University. He was a professional member of the American Meteorological Society, the Order of Daedalians, and Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
He served ten years (1991-2001) as a volunteer DOCENT at the University of Delaware's Graduate College of Marine Sciences in Lewes, Delaware. In this position he assisted the college in enhancing it's public image by conducting briefings and tours of the college for the general public.
James was born, August 25, 1928 in Tallapoosa, Georgia to the late, Arthur Lee Gillard and Florice Davis Bates. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Beryl L. Gillard.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Doris(Markland) Gillard; 3 daughters,Shari Burchenal & husband, Terry , of Dover; Cynthia Killay & her husband, Jack, of Hooksch, N.H.; and Melissa Barrett & husband, Bobby, of Dover. A brother,J.T.Davis, of Forest Park, GA.; 2 sisters, Ella Faye Lay & Gwen Morris, both of Tallapoosa, GA.; 3 granddaughters, Shauna Killay, of Northwood, N.H. and Morgan & Mikayla Barrett, both of Dover; and a great-granddaughter, Ava Lamothe, of Northwood, N.H.
Services will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, Contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association, Delaware Valley Chapter Headquarters, 399 Market St. Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA. 19106. Condolences may be sent via: www.pippinfuneralhome.com.
