Obituary of James W. McIntyre

James Winfield McIntyre (Written with love by Mackenzie Rae McIntyre, his eldest grandchild) Brigadier General James Winfield McIntyre, U.S. Air Force, retired, passed away peacefully on July 10th, 2023, in Rye, New Hampshire. A highly decorated and distinguished military leader, esteemed scholar, and accomplished businessman, he leaves behind a cherished legacy of humble excellence, and a lifetime of selfless service. He will be forever missed. James W. McIntyre, aka, Jim, aka ‘Whip’, aka ‘Little Mac’, was born December 27, 1942 to William Winfield McIntyre and Pauline Regina Dimicco and raised in Sidney, New York. As a young boy, Jim served as an Altar Boy at Sacred Heart Church, fostering a lifelong commitment to faith, duty, and community. In High School we was an Honor Society member, Student Council officer, and lettered athletically 16 times in 4 years, earning the Ralph F. Pyle Memorial Trophy for his outstanding athletic record. He graduated from Sidney Central High School in 1960 at the top of his class, and was inducted into the Sidney Central School Hall of Fame. After graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy (Class of 1964) with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Sciences, Jim began his military journey at Pilot Training at Enid OK, then as T-37 Instructor Pilot at Reese Air Force Base, Texas. Later, after cross-training into the HH-3 then HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant, his exceptional valor during the Vietnam War where he played a crucial role executing some of the first NVG blacked out night combat rescue operations, earning him the prestigious Silver Star and multiple Air Medals. As a Senior Command Pilot, Jim accumulated over 3,000 flying hours, first as a First Assignment Instructor Pilot, then Flying Squadron Commander, Group Commander, and Wing Commander at Pilot Training bases. While assigned to the Pentagon, he helped revitalize Air Force Pilot Training, then served as the first Chairman of the Personnel Activities Panel. Later, he played a pivotal role in co-authoring, forming, and instituting the EURO-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program still in use today. In addition to the Silver Star and combat Air Medals, Brigadier General McIntyre was awarded the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal, as well as the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and many other prestigious decorations. Jim held a deep commitment on learning, having obtained a Master's Degree in Operations Research and Statistics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and was an Air Command and Staff College, National Security Management Program, National War College, Management Program for Senior Executives at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Business and UVA’s Darden School of Business’s Executive Program graduate. Beyond his military accomplishments, Jim served on several boards, such as the South Texas Plains Food Bank, the San Antonio Executive Service Corps and also dedicated his time to charitable causes such as the United Way and providing medical services to underprivileged individuals in South Texas. Following his military service, he was a VP for USAA, the Florida Institute of Technology School of Aviation Assistant Dean, and FIT Aviation CEO. He was a proud member of the US Air Force Academy Association of Graduates, a ‘pinned’ member of the Jolly Green Giants, as well as active with the Knights, Elks, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Rotary, and the American Legion. Of his many civic engagements, one project he was most proud of is his collaboration with other Sidney citizens to help design, fund, and build the Sidney Veteran’s Memorial, where he, his two brothers, his son, daughter and son-in-law all have plaques. Jim’s greatest joy came from spending quality time with his beloved family. On December 27, 1964, he married the love of his life and high school sweat-heart, Karen Ann Merritt, daughter of Steven Bernard (Roger) Merritt and June Lily Degrand. Together, they shared a profound bond of love and devotion for over four decades. Their union was blessed with two beautiful children, Christen McIntyre Doucet and James Winfield McIntyre II. Always a bit of a prankster who loved to have a good time, “Gampy” took great delight in being a grandfather to his five adoring grandchildren, Katherine Merritt and Joseph David James Doucet, and Mackenzie Rae, Shane William, and Joshua James McIntyre. Although his pastimes in life were many, one constant was his passion for Golf, which he once said “he loved dearly, routinely hated, and played way more than he should.’ Jim McIntyre is lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and the countless generations he impacted, the results of which will be felt for generations to come. He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen, and his parents. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, many precious nieces and nephews, and his three dearly beloved siblings – Paul (and Grace) McIntyre, Jean (nee McIntyre) and Ralph Siwicki, and Bill (and Diane) McIntyre. Friends are invited to call from 9:00am-10:00am on Monday, July 17th at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney, NY 13838. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30am at Sacred Heart Church, 15 Liberty St., Sidney. Burial with military honors will follow at 12:00pm in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney. Following the funeral, a lite reception will be held at the Sidney Golf and Country Club. May Brigadier General James W. McIntyre's noble spirit, gracious humility, and extraordinary contributions continue to inspire us all. He will forever remain in our hearts and memories.