Obituary of James E. McAdoo

James E. McAdoo was born on March 27, 1929 in Meridian, MS.  He was raised in New Orleans, LA, where he attended elementary school and high school.  As a youth, his two main interests were the Boy Scouts of America (he attained the rank of Eagle Scout) and military aviation.  Following high school, he attended Tulane University and Louisiana State University graduating with a degree in engineering.  Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, TX, as a Private First Class.  Following an assignment at Craig Air Force Base, AL, he entered pilot training with assignments at Columbus AFB, MS and Vance AFB, OK and was commissioned as a second lieutenant and received his wings in February 1953.  During his career, he served in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.  He flew several types of aircraft including the C-54, C-46, C-119, C-9, C-130 and the C-141.  His assignments included the Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL; Group Commander of the 932nd Aeromedical Airlift Group, Scott Air Force Base, IL; Commander, 514th Military Airlift Wing, McGuire Air Force Base, NJ; and Commander, 14th Air Force, Dobbins Air Force Base, GA.  Two of the units he commanded were recognized with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.  His decorations included the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal and one oak leaf cluster, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.  He was extremely proud of the two other awards that were presented to him by the Non-Commissioned Officers in his command:  The Order of the Sword and the Honorary Chief Master Sergeant Award.  With over thirty five years of service, he retired from the US Air Force as a Major General in March 1988.  He has resided in Summerfield, FL with his beloved wife of 33 years, Nola M. McAdoo, since 2003. 

A celebration of life will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 1511 Buenos Aires Blvd, The Villages, FL on Friday, July 6, 2018 at 11am. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10am until time of service at 11am. Reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to American Heart Association. Sentiments may be left online at www.hiers-baxley.com.