James C. Bash

James Christian Bash, age 79, of Xenia, passed away on June 8, 2021 surrounded by his family at Soin Medical Center. Jim was born on December 12, 1941, in St. Louis, MO, he was the son of a retired U.S. Army Colonel, James Hoyt and Marabelle (Christian) Bash. In early 1965, Jim graduated from North Texas State University in Denton, TX, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology that same year he also received his Air Force commission as a distinguished military graduate. After his graduation, Jim married the love of his life, Susan C. Potter on June 26, 1965, and together they began their life's journey.

After his marriage to Susan, Jim proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. Over the next 26 years, Jim served his country in many capacities, ultimately retiring his command at the rank of Colonel. One of Jim's earlier military accomplishments, was attaining the rank of Captain and serving as the senior maintenance officer for the renowned Air Force Thunderbirds. As maintenance officer of the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, Jim, and his fellow logistics officer, supervised the maintenance personnel who were pledged to keep, at that time, the 23 year perfect record alive.

In addition, Jim had a strategic role in a conversion program where the team changed the aircraft of the Thunderbirds from the F-4E to the T-38 Talon. In 1973, Jim and the team logistics officer, planned and implemented the deployment of equipment and the men to South America where the Thunderbirds performed before record breaking crowds.

Jim was a graduate of the Air Force Maintenance Officers School, the Maintenance Staff Officers School and completed the Air Force Institute of Technology Maintenance and Information Systems School, Kelly AFB, TX, as a distinguished graduate. His maintenance background was extremely diversified. Jim served as Maintenance Control Officer; Squadron Logistics Officer; Flight Line Maintenance Officer; and Field Maintenance Material Officer.

In 1969, Jim had his boots on the ground in Vietnam where he was named "Junior Officer of the Quarter" for maintenance liaison work accomplished during a three-month tour at Cam Rahn Bay Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. He spent 610 days in 18 different countries around the world as commander of en route support maintenance teams. During one such journey in 1969, Jim served as en route maintenance team commander in support of President Nixon's Presidential Goodwill World Tour. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds in May 1972, Jim was included in the 1970 volume of "Outstanding Young Men of America."

From 1976 through 1986, Jim was named director of field operations, F-16 program office. During this time, Jim played a vital role in the development and implementation of the F-16 fighter jet. During the development phase of the F-16, Jim worked directly with the builder, General Dynamics. He then was involved of the implementation and deployment of the F-16 while he was stationed at Kunsan Air Base in Gunsan, South Korea.

In 1986, Jim was given his last command of his military career, director of the NATO Airborne Warning and Control System, AWACS. Today, AWACS is considered our nation's premier long-range radar surveillance and control center for our country's air defense around the world.

After his retirement, Jim was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church in Beavercreek, OH. He also remained active in the Air Force by being a volunteer for the Air Force Museum.

Along with his loving wife, Susan, Jim is survived by his daughters, Catherine "Calyn" (husband, Gene) Bush of Kettering, OH and Mary Lisa (husband, Jeff) Koogler of Beavercreek, OH; granddaughter, Danielle Koogler; grandson, Andrew "AJ" Koogler; and brother, Joseph "Joe"(wife, Dee) Bash of TX; and nephews, Chris, Brian and Eric Bash.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 17, 2021, from 5:00 pm to 8:00pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, Beavercreek, Ohio. Jim's Celebration of Life services will be held on Friday, June 18, 2021, at10:30 am at the Newcomers. Following Jim's service, burial will take place at Dayton National Cemetery at 1:00pm with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make memorial contributions in Jim's name to either the National Museum of the United States Air Force or the American Parkinson Disease Association

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