Jim Schofield, of Pittsboro, N.C., passed away on February 8, 2023 at the age of 99. Jim was the son of Margaret Snowden and Arthur Schofield growing up in his hometown of Johnstown, PA and his adolescence in Philadelphia. He was attending The Citadel at the beginning of WWII and like so many millions of the Greatest Generation; he joined the Army Air Corps in his junior year. Jim flew from Missouri to Burma and beyond – one of the famous ‘Hump Pilots’ flying the ‘Aluminum Trail’ – over the Himalayas and into China. He was an intrepid and gifted pilot. At the end of the war, he flew the Allied officers that accepted the surrender of the notorious Japanese 15th army in Nanking. Returning home, he completed his studies and began a long and interesting Air Force career from flight instructor to base commander in England. Stateside again, Jim concluded his military career at the Pentagon leading the Education Services Section; a second career unfolded from that assignment when Jim became an instructor and academic advisor at the University of Maryland, University College which was an innovative outreach system serving Armed Forces around the world. Jim advised hundreds of students along the way and maintaining close contact with many over the years.
Jim was a modest and unassuming man, but also one of remarkable physical strength and an indomitable will. He earned numerous decorations as a member of the storied Flying Tigers, a wall full of medals and diplomas, but what mattered to him was Faith, Family and Friends.
Jim is predeceased by an infant son, Jimmy, and his daughter Peggy. Mourning him now is his beloved wife, Pepa, sons James Schofield of Greenville, South Carolina, Timothy Schofield of Silver Spring and a stepson Stephen Boliek of Silver Spring, ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery TBD.