- Date Of Birth: December 14, 1943
- Date Of Death: September 23, 2018
- State: Alabama
James Clyde Spears was born on December 14, 1943 in Dallas, Texas. His Mother, Irma Y. Spears, moved to Riverview, Alabama in 1948 which was home for James Clyde until his death on September 23, 2018.
He then returned to Riverview, re-entered Auburn completing requirements and graduating. He completed fixed wing training in Pensacola seeking employment as an airline pilot since he had no desire to continue flying helicopters. Since airline pilot jobs were scarce, James Clyde joined the FAA in 1973 as an Approach and Air Traffic Controller trainee in Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska. During this time, he continued to pursue his desire to become an airline pilot. In February 1980, ASA bought a second plane and Captain Spears became the pilot initially flying from Columbus and Macon to Atlanta while still living in Riverview. As ASA grew, Captain Spears flew to cities all over the country. He flew twin and four engine prop planes and eventually his favorite plane a 70 passenger Canadian Regional CRT 70 twin engine jet. He often said he could not believe they were paying him for doing something he loved. The FAA required mandatory retirement for pilots at age 60 so he retired from flying February 2004. He remained in Riverview caring for his Mother whose health continued to decline until her death at age 102 in 2012. James Clyde took her on many “road trips” all over the country until she became totally disabled. In March 2013 he fulfilled another desire by completing 18 wheeler training at Southern Union and driving big rigs on “short trips” to Dallas and Los Angeles.
In December 2013, James Clyde, who had been healthy all his life, noticed shortness of breath with exertion. Eventually diagnosed with advanced incurable Pulmonary Fibrosis, the disease progressed, symptoms and disability worsened and our friend died in the home he loved.
