James A. Bair

James Adolph Bair, age 86 of Fairborn, OH, passed away, unexpectedly, Friday, November 29, 2024, at Soin Medical Center. He was born January 16, 1938, in Beckley, WV, the son of the late James Woodrow and Alice Elizabeth “Betty” (Mayhew) Bair.

James was a faithful husband, devoted father, grandfather, and friend to many. He was a graduate from THE Ohio State University with an aeronautical engineering degree where he was employed as an engineer for 38 years at Wright-Patterson AFB. His dignified and wide-ranging career took him from the early stages of supersonic flight through the development of the stealth aircraft of today, the development of ballistic missile guidance systems, and he worked briefly with NASA in the development of the Space Shuttle. In his free time, Jim took pleasure in the comfort of his family and friends, especially his children and grandchildren.

As a child Jim developed an abiding passion for airplanes that continued throughout his life. A long-time member of the Plastic Modelers Association of America (IPMS/USA), an all-volunteer organization dedicated to promoting plastic modeling as a hobby, he not only perfected his skills as a builder of prefabricated kits, he also became a local, regional, and national award winner who frequently fabricated his own model airplanes from scratch. Jim was also a member of the Flying Aces Club (F.A.C.), part of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, where he participated and competed in rubber-band powered model airplane piloting. As part of the Flying Aces Club, he regularly worked with youth in the local community to help foster interest in STEM subjects and a love of aviation and aeronautics. Jim's spirit lives on in the memories he created with his loved ones, friends, and the many young people he mentored throughout the years.

In addition to his parents, James is preceded in death by two brothers, William Kent "Billy-Kent" Bair, and Robert Taylor “RT” Bair. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Dorothy L. (Shenefiel) Bair; two children, James Edwin (Chi) Bair, Elizabeth (Steven) Brooks; favorite grandson, Ethan Schuyler Bair; various nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A memorial gathering will be held by the family at a later date. Inurnment to follow at the Sunset Memorial Gardens, Beckley, WV. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra by mail at 300 S. Fountain Avenue, Springfield, OH, 45506 or online at https://www.springfieldsym.org/support

Memorial condolences may be made to the family directly at www.beltonstroup.com