From: https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/north-richland-hills-tx/james-rider-11113930
PASSED AWAY ON JANUARY 18, 2023
Col (Ret) James Rider slipped the surly bonds of this earth on Jan. 18. Jim was
surrounded by his family: his wife of 67 years, Jackie, daughter Jill, and
grandchildren, Alyssa and Stephanie and her husband Chris. Jim was preceded in
death by a daughter, Linda. He is also survived by Linda's son John Michael,
wife Shannon and their children Ilyssa and Atticus, Stephanie and Chris'
daughter, Madison, and Alyssa's children Audrey, and Connor.
Jim started his AF career as an Aviation Cadet in 1955 and initially flew F-86s
and F-101s in Air Defense Command. He received his bachelor's degree at the
University of Arizona and was selected to attend test pilot school at Edwards
AFB CA. After graduation, he stayed on as an instructor and developed a new
high-altitude training program for potential astronauts in the NF-104. For his
tour in Vietnam, he flew F-105 Wild Weasel. After returning from his tour, Jim
was reassigned to Edwards and became the Flight Test Flight Director for the
Lightweight Fighter Program. He went on to command the first operational
squadron of F-16s at Hill AFB. His last assignment was as Defense Attaché to
Australia, and he retired with 30 years of service in 1984.
After retirement he worked for Lockheed Martin on country specific
configurations of the F-16 such as the XF-2 with the Japan Air Self Defense
Force.
Due to Jim's lifetime dedication to improving flight procedures and testing, he
was inducted as a Fellow into the Society for Experimental Test Pilots in 2001.
Jim continued flying with the North Texas Soaring Association more many, many
years after retirement.