James Henry Modlin
December 31, 1928-October 17, 2013
James (Jim) Henry Modlin, 84, passed away at home surrounded by family on Oct. 17th, 2013 in Ventura, CA. He was born to Agatha Iris (Murphy) Modlin and Elbridge Lavon Modlin on December 31, 1928 at the family poultry farm in Keithville, LA (now a part of Shreveport). He had one brother, Richard, who was killed in Germany during WWII. He moved many times during his youth as his father was a Colonel in the Army. His perspective on the world changed literally when he received his first pair of glasses in the fourth grade and could see it in detail. It broadened even more culturally when he visited Japan, helping his mother move over to join his father who was stationed there. While in high school Jim began to learn to fly.  Jim graduated from Salinas High School in 1947 and Texas A& M in 1951 with a degree in aeronautical engineering. The first of many jobs in his career was at Douglas Aircraft in Santa Monica in 1951 where he worked as an interior furnishings structural designer for the DC-7, C-132, and X-3 aircrafts. He married Sally Ann Davis in 1952. He then reported to active duty in the Air Force as a 1st Lt. and was stationed in El Centro, CA for two years. He served in the Air Research and Command handling the testing of missile and drone recovery parachutes.  He continued working in the aerospace industry with positions at Radioplane, Parasystems (his own business), Northrop Ventura Corp., ILC Steinthal, and Irvin Air Chute companies where he designed parachutes and oversaw their testing (including the F-106A ejection seat, Gemini and Apollo missions, and various ”Skunk Works” projects). He married Karen Jeannene Schmoll in 1969. He was a member of the SAFE Association and the International Order of the Blue Gavel. He retired in 1990. Jim was an avid sailor and spent many summers sailing with family and friends to Catalina and the Channel Islands. He was also a senior member of the Ventura Yacht Club. He contributed numerous hours to the various VYC committees and events. He worked his way up the ranks to become Commodore in 1993. During the last 10 years of his life he continued to enjoy the camaraderie of the VYC family and life at the beach with Carolyn Pearson, his companion.  Jim was a lover of music, dancing, photography, and sailing. These passions can still be seen in his family members;  daughters Cyndie (Bruce) Swauger and Ann Morse, sons Rick (Barbara) Modlin and Pat (Ann) Modlin, step daughters Ravonne-deceased (Greg) Wines and Lynae (Bill) Swartz, step-son Steve (Pam) Schmoll.  He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.  A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 23rd starting at 9:30am with a procession of boats from the harbor and then a luncheon at the VYC at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the VYC Jr. Sailing program www.vycyouthsailing.org or to a charity of your choice. To view and sign his guestbook please visit: www.vcstar.com