James Mcbride

James J. McBride, CDR USN (Retired)

January 9, 1935-April 13, 2023

On Thursday, April 13, 2023, James “Jim” McBride, of Santa Fe, NM, passed away peacefully after a brief illness. He was 88 years old.

Jim served in the US Navy for 24 years, retiring from US Naval Forces Europe in 1985. He joined the US Navy as a commissioned officer in 1960 and completed basic flight training in 1961.  Jim flew critical missions during the Cuban Missile Crisis and in the Vietnam War, where he deployed as a combat attack pilot with US Attack Squadron 12 on the USS Shangri La. He later served as a test pilot for Navy A7-E and Air Force A7-D aircraft and as team leader of the Navy Hot Air Balloon Team.

Following his retirement, Jim approached life with the same adventurous spirit, insatiable curiosity, and deep commitment to family and country that defined his military career. He earned a Masters Degree in History from the University of New Mexico and authored several books about New Mexico, Family, and Life in the Navy.  Never one to sit still for long, Jim was also a high school naval science teacher, a ski instructor, a Zamboni driver, a hot air balloon pilot, a multi-decade volunteer at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, and The Lensic.  He traveled extensively with his wife Barbara, exploring Europe, Asia, the UK, Ireland, and many points in between.  He maintained a voluminous correspondence with friends and family around the world.

Jim was a true force of nature, and his strength and generosity will be deeply missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children Timothy, Dominic, and Bridget; his daughters-in-law Kim, Pennie, and Patty; grandchildren, Jacob and Jacqueline; and many nieces and nephews.  Jim is preceded in death by his three brothers, John (Jack), Tom, and Phillip.

Family and friends are invited to the Rivera Family Funeral Home in Santa Fe on Thursday, May 18, 2023, for a memorial service at 11 am then interment with military honors at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.   A reception will follow.