James H. Aldredge, Jr. died June 18 at Piedmont Hospital after a brief illness. He was 76 years old. Jim was an Atlanta native and the son of former long-time Fulton County Commissioner James "Jim" H. Aldredge, Sr. and Sally Upchurch Aldredge.

A person of exceptional gifts, his career as a pilot began at Hartsfield Airport even before graduating from Atlanta's Boys High School in 1947. He entered the University of Tennessee to study engineering and went on to graduate in 1952 from West Point Military Academy. From there, he was assigned to the United States Air Force where he spent the next five years flying fighter jets. During his West Point and Air Force days he formed friendships with three of America's first astronauts, Gus Grissom, Buz Aldrin, and Ed White. He proudly served as an honorary pall bearer in Gus Grissom's funeral.

In 1957, he returned to Atlanta to join his father and brother, H. C. "Buddy"Aldredge, in their family's building and hardware store businesses. He also became a pilot for the state of Georgia and was honored to serve several governors. Through the years he developed into an avid bowler, talented craftsman and most memorably, an excellent golfer - a passion enjoyed until just weeks before his death.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Cathy Robinson Aldredge, his beloved cat Joe, daughters Deborah Dawn "Molly" Aldredge and Melanie Hill Keane, son-in-law Tim Keane, his precious aunt Helen Davis, brother and sister-in-law Buddy & Jean Aldredge, sister and brother-in-law Sara and Billy Cleveland, nieces and nephews Kristy & Mike Aldredge, Nancy & Charles Richardson, Beth & Toni Bridges, Mary Beth & Lee Cleveland, and Laura Cleveland.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Tommy Aldredge.

His family and friends will fondly remember his loyalty, his mischievous storytelling and sense of humor, and a generosity that was quiet, consistent, and steadfast. In a last gesture of generosity, Jim asked that his body be donated to the Emory University School of Medicine - so that others might be so fortunate to live a long, happy, adventure-filled life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Guillain-Barre Syndrome Foundation at: GBS/CIDP Foundation PO Box 262, Wynnewood, PA 19096, or a charity of your choice. A private memorial service is being planned.

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