Birth date: Aug 27, 1955 Death date: Jun 20, 2016
James D. Melling was born in Lancing Michigan on August 27th 1955 and passed away in Tacoma Washington June 20th 2016 at the age of 60. James enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1976 and after 22 years 7 months and 26 days Read Obituary
I met JD while we were stationed at RAF Lakenheath in the late 90s. We had a great crew that was always up for a challenge. I learned a lot while stationed with JD. He was a great Superintendent, mentor, and friend. JD did not lack in personality and he had quite the sense of humor. "Ya know what I mean Vern?" All the best to Margaret and the entire family. Until we meet again JD. God bless.
Dad, I sit here at 2:56 am wishing I could just pick up a phone and call and tell you that I was thinking of you. This last year has been one of the greatest trials of my life. Watching the pain and sorrow from mum, your children and my daughter your granddaughter and knowing that there was no way for me to comfort that pain has been hard to bear. I try and stay strong but some days I can't help but break down. I miss you. Your were a friend like no other. Accepting me as son and not just a son in law. I love you dad. You were taken before any of us were ready. Rest easy knowing that we think of you every day.
We shared some great memories. You will always be remembered. With honor and respect you lived. We will miss you.
Respectfully,
Nathan Bulldis
I only came to really know JD over the past year when our offices were co-located at our new location on McChord Field. JD was a great man with an easy sense of humor. You always knew where you stood with him and he never hesitated to tell you. He voiced his opinions when things needed to be said, but others were afraid to. Underneath that hard exterior was a person that cared more for his family than himself, and a person that would stop what he was doing to lend an friendly ear and give advice. Things will not be the same at work. He will be so very missed but never forgotten.
JD was an awesome man. He was one of my biggest influences in EM. He loved his Margaret, his Ella, his Chevy & his Detroit Lions. He did a great job of mentoring us young airmen & teaching us the job. I'll never forget the time his family had me over for Thanksgiving dinner and introduced me to a snakebite. I'm sure gonna miss you, homie! Cheers! -TSgt Will Cleveland, USAF
JD, was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor. When we JD, Jim and I) began the EM program for Joint Base he brought experience, knowledge and that sense of humor with him to our office. My life is fuller for having known him. I miss my good friend and always will.
Mark Williamson
