James H. Van Ness

Passed 02/02/2023

Obituary For James H. Van Ness

Col. James H. Van Ness, USAF, Retired “slipped the surly bonds of Earth” on February 2, 2023, with his family gathered around to offer loving support on his final journey.

Jim, born in 1947, graduated from Owego Free Academy in Owego, N.Y. in 1965. At SUNY Cortland, he studied Music History and Literature, graduating in 1969 with a BA. In 1986, he completed his master’s degree at the University of Southern California.

During the summer of 1969, he met Andrea Davis while lifeguarding on Seneca Lake, NY, where Andy grew up. In December of 1970, Jim and Andy were married and began their adventures together.

After that summer, Jim, encouraged by his draft board, was launched into a career as a pilot in the US Air Force. Upon completing flight school and KC-135 training, Jim was stationed at Plattsburgh, AFB, NY with Andy at his side. Their two children, Jason, and Sarah were born during two assignments to Plattsburgh.

Jim’s career also took the family to RAF Fairford, UK, Robins AFB, GA, Beal AFB, CA, Grand Forks, ND, and Scott AFB, IL. Some “TDYs” and missions of note include numerous trips to Thailand during the Vietnam war, the UK, Saudi Arabia, the Azores, NATO exercises, and missions to the Netherlands and Norway. He commanded a Mission for Peace to Melitopol, Ukraine, and was the USAF Component Commander in Hungary in conjunction with the peace process following the Bosnian conflict. In addition to piloting the KC-135, Jim enjoyed flying the T-38, and U-2.

Jim was predeceased by his father, Harold Freeman Van Ness, his mother, Marjorie E. (Keyes) Van Ness, and his sister Virginia Schmidt.

He is survived by his wife, Andy, son Jason (and Sarah) Van Ness of Kernersville, NC, and daughter, Sarah (and Greg) Reynolds of Bristol, NY. Jim and Andy have three granddaughters that Jim was immensely proud of: Katelyn Reynolds, Amelia Reynolds, and Piper Van Ness.

A celebration honoring Jim’s life will be held in NY this summer. Being able to enjoy activities on the water was always important to Jim. Because of this, donations may be made in lieu of flowers, in his honor, to the Upper Saranac Lake Foundation, P.O. Box 564, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, or Sound Rivers, 2207 Trent Blvd., New Bern, NC 28560.