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AT 2200 HOURS, Friday, 24 February 1961, the earthly career of James P. Jarrett, Captain, USAF, came to its ordained, though completely untimely, end. While piloting his six-engine jet bomber on a simulated low-level bombing mission for the Strategic Air Command, Captain Jarrett was dealt a blow by fate from which he was unable to recover. During the most critical portion of the exercise, the left outboard engine tore loose from its mount and provided the disrupted airflow which put the B-47 into an uncontrollable roll to the left. The violence of the control malfunction, coupled with the minimum altitude at which the aircraft was flying, caused an immediate crash from which none of the four-man aircrew survived. Although this was a peacetime mission for the record, it was, in reality, as much a combat sortie as any flown against an enemy. By doing what he was doing, Captain Jarrett was insuring, through training, that his devastating combat function would never be employed. "Peace" was his "profession." His death, in the active pursuit of his profession, merits James P. Jarrett a listing on the Honor Roll of Heroes given by West Point to our country.
Jim was born in Bandana, North Carolina, on 1 September 1931. He had an older brother and a younger sister when he entered Bakersville High School for pre-college education. North Carolina State groomed him for the two years preceding his entry into West Point in July 1950. During his four years in Company H-1, Jim acquired the nickname "Jug" which was to become his service life by-line. He developed as an officer, writer, entertainer and debater. Those of us who were privileged to know Jug during his Air Force career had ample opportunity to witness the results of these specific talents as each was put to use.
Following graduation, Jim's Air Force assignments followed a pattern of steady progression: pilot training with his class until September '55; aircraft observer/bombardier training until April '56; B-47 co-pilot training until December '56; promotion to 1st Lieutenant in April '57; upgrading to B-47 aircraft commander in December '59; and promotion to captain in August '60. Most of Jug's rated service was with the 40th Bomb Wing, SAC, in which he served with distinction from May 1956 until his death. A recapitulation of the numerous duties assigned Jug would be just so many words, whereas the citation which accompanied the awarding of the Air Force Commendation Medal to Jug in December 1960 aptly expresses the universal acclaim afforded this officer by all who knew and worked with him. The citation says in part,
"James P. Jarrett distinguished himself by meritorious service as both a B-47 co-pilot and an aircraft commander in the 660th Bombardment Squadron, 40th Bomb Wing, SAC. His exceptional motivation in achieving the requisite skill and qualification as a B-47 aircraft commander, while performing uninterrupted duty as a combat crew co-pilot resulted in a direct saving to the USAF and enhanced the capability of his organization to perform its mission. His outstanding performance of his additional duties contributed directly to the supremacy in training accomplishments maintained by his squadron. The professional skill, devotion to duty and leadership displayed by James P. Jarrett reflects credit upon himself and the USAF."
To Jug's friends and associates, the listing of his professional accomplishments is trite when compared with the effect he had on those with whom he came in contact. During most of his Air Force life Jug was the professional bachelor who delighted in the all-night bull session as much as he did arguing the many causes he championed. He was the defender of the "good ole Southland" at the drop of a hat. General Robert E. Lee could do no wrong. Like most bachelors, he was more interested in dating many girls than in marrying one of them in spite of the well-meaning attempts of his friends' wives to marry him off. He amazed, but delighted, everyone by marrying a truly wonderful girl, Lois Bernice Tyson, in December 1957, prior to departing for the Air University's Squadron Officers School.
A "little Jug" was born to a proud father early on the morning of 3 July 1960. Never in the history of the Air Force has the cocktail hour begun as early as it did the day Jeffery Lee Jarrett made his entry into the world.
Jug's talents seemed to be unlimited. Anyone who has seen his portrayal of TV's "Chester" will never forget it. He wrote or collaborated on the scripts of practically every skit presented by the officers of the 40th Bomb Wing for themselves and their guests. No party was ever considered a success unless Jug could be persuaded to "preach a little" at about 2:00 A.M. Whatever the occasion, Jug was the man who put into practice the axiom, "Tis better to give than to receive," and for this he will always be remembered.
Captain James Phillips Jarrett was laid to his final rest in Arlington on 3 March 1961 at the request of his widow. Time will help heal the wounds his death inflicted, but nothing will overshadow the contributions to good living he made. Each one of us who watched Jug walk down the path of life knows for a certainty that the Supreme Commander-in-Chief said to him, "Well done, Be Thou at Peace," when he presented himself for positioning in the Long Gray Line.
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