December 21, 1954 – July 28, 2026
From JD’s wife Patty ~
JD’s passion for aviation started at an early age and extended far beyond the cockpit and the aircraft he designed. Giving credit to his Dad who taught him to fly as a youngster, JD said he already knew the basics before he took his first lesson. He earned his private pilot in 1973 while a senior in high school. I know many of you heard him say he “has been flying since he was a sperm.”
Answering the call to serve his country, JD became a Commander and Naval Flight Officer in the United States Navy. During his distinguished service in the United States Navy, he flew numerous aircraft but primarily the F-14 Tomcat. He loved talking “fighter aviation” with others who served or had family who served. He also mentored numerous young people who wanted to pursue a flying career, especially if it was in the military. This military influence became integral in the products he designed and sold.
For decades, he was deeply involved in the Experimental Aircraft Association and the sport-aircraft community—being an EAA Lifetime Member, and serving as an EAA Technical Counselor, EAA Flight Advisor, and a member of San Diego’s EAA Chapter 14. EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh became an enduring part of our lives: he had attended 35 times and had spent more than three decades exhibiting there, sharing Infinity Aerospace’s work with generations of builders and pilots. It was a big family reunion every year at Oshkosh reconnecting with our aviation friends, even if the weather was sweltering or the skies were raining down puddles so big they had to suck them up with honey trucks. He also presented technical forums at Oshkosh, advised individual homebuilders, sought the input and ideas of fellow aviation enthusiasts, and continuously refined his designs based upon what he learned from the community. To JD, sport aviation was not simply a business. It was a community of builders, pilots, dreamers, and friends, and one to which he devoted an extraordinary part of his life.
As his wife, reading all of the beautiful condolence messages has touched my heart. I am so proud of all that JD accomplished in his life and wanted to share what others in the aviation world have expressed to me.
- JD meant so much to the aviation community and to all of us at EAA. Over the years, he was more than a respected innovator and business leader. He was a trusted friend, and someone whose enthusiasm, generosity, and dedication left a lasting impact on countless people.
- The Homebuilt Aircraft community has lost an irreplaceable supporter.
- His larger-than-life presence will be missed by many!
- That is devastating news. It was something that crossed my mind many times in the course of business where his accomplishments, quotes, and dedication to our industry arose over the past several years.
- JD was an incredible man. We are all less for him not being here, but greater for having known him.
James, I Love You to Infinity and beyond, Patty
