James Patton Jr.

A flight test engineer and test pilot for 46 years, James Patton Jr. (Aero’56) retired from NASA in 1987 [see the online September 2011 Coloradanprofiles to read the article on him]. He earned numerous aviation awards, including NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal, the FAA Master Pilot Award and an induction into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. He lives in Crystal River, Fla.