USAFA Class Histories

Jim, son of Harrison and Mary (Rogers) Thyng, was born, at Selfridge Army Air Field, MI, and grew up on Air Force bases throughout the US. He graduated from George Washington High School in Alexandria, VA and entered the United States Air Force Academy in 1959, graduating in 1963.

Upon graduation he entered pilot training, receiving his wings in 1964. He flew F-102 and F-106 Interceptors before volunteering for Vietnam in 1965 where he flew the A-1E Skyraider, a WWII era prop plane that flew low and slow protecting ground troops. He flew 301 combat missions in 11 months, taking battle damage on 44 occasions.

Jim did a brief second tour in Vietnam flying the F-4D Phantom. In 1971 Jim was selected for the Defense Systems Analysis Program at the University of Rochester, NY, graduating with a Master's Degree in Systems Analysis. He then reported to the Pentagon with a specialized team in the Fighter Division, reporting to the Chief of Staff on the viability of the F-15 and F-16 fighter jets and associated weapons systems. He resigned his commission in 1973 as a Major and entered civilian life.

His second career was in the Utility Industry, starting with a natural gas transmission company in Colorado Springs, CO, that encompassed a 6-state area. As Staff Manager of Operations, he oversaw 5200 miles of natural gas pipeline and created the Divine, CO, Technical Training Center for pipeline technicians.

While in Colorado Springs, he joined the Air Force Reserves as a Mobilization Augmentee with the Joint Unconventional Warfare Task Force Atlantic, Ft. Bragg, NC. Promoted to Lt Col in 1981, he joined the 901st Tactical Airlift Group, Peterson AFB, Colorado Springs, CO in 1982. In 1985, he retired as the Group Deputy Commander, Resources.

Moving to New Hampshire in 1985, Jim became Superintendent of the Littleton, NH, Water & Light Department. In 1992 he was presented with the Operators Meritorious Service Award by the New England Water Works Association. Jim joined the NH Public Utilities Commission in 1993 as an engineer. In 1994 Jim and his wife moved to Pittsfield, NH. He retired from the PUC in 2003.

As a resident of Pittsfield, Jim served on various committees and was elected as a Selectman from 1998-2001. He held memberships in a number of military associations and civic organizations. He was a member of the First Congregational Church, Pittsfield, NH.