LtCol James Colin Veach
1952-2008
James Colin Veach was born in Portland, Oregon on April 13, 1952. Jim graduated from Milwaukie High School and then earned two degrees from Mt Hood Community College in Air Traffic Management and and Hazardous Materials Management. Jim used that degree for a good number of years decommissioning heating oil tanks. In 1982 Jim married Wendy Spencer, and their daughter Jessica was born in 1986. Most of us know Jim as one of the most dedicated Civil Air Patrol members on the planet. Jim joined Civil Air Patrol as a cadet in the 70's and became a senior member after high school. Jim served as the Safety officer for wing for many years, and loved communications. He was active in both amateur Ham radio as well as CAP communications. Jim was indespensible as Oregon's alerting officer. For years he was the backbone of our emergency response system, and would selflessly handle emergency calls at all hours of the day and night without regard to his personal comfort. Jim passed away very peacefully at home on Saturday, April 12, 2008, just one day shy of his 56th birthday. He is survived by his wife, Wendy; his daughter, Jessica; father, Colin, brother David Veach, and sister, Jancie Humwaldt.
I also noted that in his last couple weeks on earth I had opportunity to see the private side of Jim's life that most of us never got to see and discovered that he was a highly devoted husband and father, and was dearly loved by his wife and daughter. I believe he finished well.
Letter from the National Commander
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