James "Jim" Gregory

April 2, 1925 – January 13, 2016

From the 95th Bomb Group Memorials Foundation Facebook page:

With heavy hearts, the Memorials Foundation and the Heritage Association announce that James “Jim” Gregory of Long Beach, CA, left formation on 13 January 2016 at age 90. Jim was a 336th navigator and former POW. He passed away at Los Alamitos, CA, with his wife Dorothy and grandson by his side. Folded wings.

Jim was born in Alhambra, CA, on 2 April 1925 to Ernest and Grace (Birdsey) Gregory. He graduated Alhambra High in 1942 and immediately enlisted i...n US Army Air Force. He was later commissioned 2d LT on his way to Horham. As his obituary in the Los Angeles Times reads, Jim, flew “support missions out of Poltava, Ukraine, to bomb synthetic oil plants in Romania. Shot down near Leipzig, Germany and wounded. Taken prisoner and held till April 29th, 1945. Awarded Purple Heart and Air Medal.”

After the war, Jim graduated from Whittier College and was awarded a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Stanford in 1952. He was, continues his obituary, employed “by Union Oil of California for 20 years. Appointed Administrator of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration by President Nixon in 1963. Consultant on the Alaska Pipeline, Vice President of Conrail, Philadelphia, PA. Consultant to Association of American Railroads. Retired in 1995.

“Predeceased by first wife Marilyn Schaefer and daughter Linda Young Strong. Survived by wife of 50 years, Dorothy Rasinski Gregory, MD., JD., Granddaughter Michelle Young Long (Merrill), Grandson Thomas Young (Heather), and Great Grandchildren Cannon and Eden Long, and Lily Young.

“At his specific request there will be no formal ceremonies. Inurnment at Riverside National Cemetery. Contributions to Disabled American Veterans or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation would be appreciated.

Throughout his life, Jim had a great sense of humor and was always an upbeat individual. He will be missed sorely by many.