The Pylon Place - October 2011

September 16, 2011 – The Saddest Day

By Marilyn Dash

Peace Jimmy (Tim Adams)By now most of you have heard of our tragedy at the Reno Air Races on September 16. I have still not come to a point where I can talk about what I saw and what I experienced. But, I wanted to tell you a story.

They say that extraordinary people do extraordinary things. And I will say that every single one of the pilots and crew at the Reno Air Races are extraordinary people. They breathe a little deeper, love a little harder, stand closer to the edge. We know there are dangers in doing what we do – but we never thought our activities would hurt anyone else. Losing one of our own is a tragedy. Losing people who were only there to cheer us on is a catastrophe. Sometimes, these extraordinary things go extraordinarily wrong.

Jimmy Leeward and crew in front of Galloping Ghost. (Tim Adams)Let me tell you about Jimmy Leeward.

Jimmy learned to fly at a young age. He was a second-generation pilot and proceeded to raise two more generations of flyers. They were a flying family, living in their own dream community – Leeward Air Ranch in Ocala, Fla. The biggest thing for a new pilot was to have their first solo at the Ranch.

Jimmy was also a movie stunt pilot, actor and aviation consultant. He was involved with no less than eight movies including Amelia, Tuskegee Airmen and Cloud Dancer. He had thousands of hours in hundreds of aircraft. He was a gifted professional.

(Tim Adams)The first time I met Jimmy we talked about Cloud Dancer and his role in the movie. He was gracious and kind and didn’t mind answering stupid questions from a newbie. Our friendship continued over the years. He always had time for his friends and his fans. If you stopped him for a picture (he never shied away from a camera) he had to shake your hand and chat with you for a minute. If you stopped him for an autograph, he made time for you. I have tried to model my public life after Jimmy and professionals like him. 

He was a showman who loved the sport, loved to fly and loved the people around him. My life is better for having known him and I will always remember his warmth and kindness.