Jim Malek (  — 2018)

Jim was a long time member who dedicated his time in the CAF to finishing the restoration of the PT-26. Without his efforts some would say the PT-26 restoration would have languished for some time.

He was a very demanding maintenance officer. After it was completed Jim was the chief pilot and instructor for the PT-26, checking out all the pilots. Jim was also a proud USAF veteran who flew P-51s, F-86s (two ejections) and the C-123 in Vietnam. After retiring Jim stayed active in the local aviation community flying various aircraft. He was a very talented and demanding pilot and instructor who had very high standards. Jim also continued to be very active in the Radio Controlled aircraft community and was in the process of building a new plane when he passed.

Jim was predeceased by his wife, Gerry, in December 2017. For those of us who knew Jim, he will be missed.