The IAC is sad to share the news of a good friend and devoted IAC’er who passed away on October 31, 2024. Jim Klick, IAC #6870 became an IAC member on January 1, 1980.
He was already a member of EAA and had been volunteering at Oshkosh for EAA AirVenture in their Communications (Comm) Center since 1977. He and his wife Therese could be found each summer performing set up tasks preparing for EAA operations for AirVenture.
When Jim joined the IAC, he brought his communications skills with him and became the "comm chairman", handling the radios that were used at Fond du Lac and later, when the IAC took over the Nationals, he helped out there as well. His personality and enthusiasm were infectious, and he always wanted to help.
“He also loved to talk and handle the microphone during the contest. JoAnn Ward, who headed up the Fond du Lac Convention & Visitors Bureau, nicknamed him "Silver Tongue" and it really fit. We always had a PA system, and we kept the participants and the public well informed as to what was going on at all times,” said Mike Heuer, IAC president emeritus.
An avid aerobatic pilot, Jim had a significant history of competing in IAC competitions in his bright yellow Pitts S-1S, the first certified S-1S N9JT (SN1). He flew primarily in the MidAmerica region. He competed in the Intermediate category. As well as competing he often could be found serving as a contest director, a chief judge or a grading judge or a combination of all of these volunteer positions!
"Jim was a wonderful person," said Patty Wagstaff. "He had a very generous spirit and was always ready to volunteer and help. To me he really personified the spirit of IAC and why so many of us stay active in the sport. He will really be missed."
Jim also earned the Primary through Intermediate Smooth and Stars awards. The IAC Achievement Award program provides an avenue for pilots to demonstrate their proficiency in a contest and/or non-contest environment.
In 2003, Jim joined many other wonderful volunteers from across the country to support the World Aerobatic Championships which were held in Lakeland, Florida. “This was the first time I met Jim,” said Lorrie Penner, Editor Sport Aerobatics. “He was sitting out at a table in the bright sunshine announcing the next pilot and figures. He was so energetic and happy you couldn’t help but smile and enjoy his enthusiasm.”
In 2004 Jim received Robert Heuer Award for Judging Excellence, which is awarded to a judge for their outstanding performance as an aerobatic judge during the calendar year. He has also mentored many IAC Sportsman competitors and university flight teams. He is a past president and officer of IAC Chapter 1, Illinois.
When Jim retired as a competitor and judge he still assisted wherever he could and continued volunteering at EAA AirVenture through July 2024 when he and Therese spent three weeks on the grounds volunteering and meeting up with friends.
Very active in his home state of Illinois, Jim along with fellow IAC’er Giles Henderson was inducted into the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame in 2021. Jim was recognized for not only his involvement with aerobatics, but for his support of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA). Jim had been judging regional and national NIFA contest ever since 1995. He also was a volunteer judge for NIFA National SAFECON events.
Additionally, Jim was active with the Boy Scouts and provided major support for the flight activities at the Rainbow Council Boy Scout’s AirFest in 20214. He also served as a board member for the Joliet Regional Port District, which is the governing body for the Lewis University Airport, Romeoville, Illinois.
Jim Klick will be missed by many for his unfailing generosity in volunteering and mentoring fledgling aerobatic pilots. For many, their memories will include Jim’s ability to tell multiple jokes in one sitting with hardly taking a breath. Jim was a wonderful ambassador for the IAC and aviation in general.
Blue skies and all tens.
Visitation and Funeral Arrangements:
Monday, December 16, 2024, | 4 PM to 8 PM
Anderson-Goodale Memorial Home
21131 W Renwick Rd
Plainfield, IL 60544
(also listed as 21131 W Renwick Rd, Crest Hill)
815-577-5250
Tuesday, December 17, 2024, | TBA
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
20953 W Hoff Rd.
Elwood, IL, 60421
Ceremony: probably 21-gun salute
