June 11, 1953 - July 9, 2024
Western Washington aviation lost a truly great aircraft mechanic, FAA Authorized Maintenance Inspector (IA), overall aviation advocate, and great friend to many on July 9, 2024. James F. "Jim" Musgrove departed on his final flight west, into eternity, at the age of 71.
Jim was a giant in aviation maintenance, recognized nationally for his extensive knowledge and expertise in aircraft maintenance, repairs, restoration, and complex maintenance problem-solving. He worked on a range of aircraft, from gliders and small general aviation (GA) aircraft to the largest experimental jet transports and former jet fighters used as chase aircraft in flight test programs.
Born in Washington State on June 11, 1953, Jim joined the US Army after school and served as a helicopter mechanic on UH-1 Hueys in Vietnam. After leaving the Army with a service-related disability, he worked for Boeing on the B727 production line. During a period of Boeing cutbacks, he transitioned to general aviation, serving as a mechanic and later as Director of Maintenance for a large local flying club that operated over a dozen aircraft, ranging from small single-engine Cessnas to cabin-class twins.
Jim returned to Boeing as a maintenance specialist and mechanic for the company's Commercial and Defense flight test operations. He also became an expert in maintaining Boeing's "Chase Aircraft," including two former military T33s and the T38. Jim creatively ensured the continued function and availability of these aircraft's ejection seats by sourcing rare rocket motors, thus supporting key Boeing programs. His advice and expertise were continuously sought, especially on issues related to FAA maintenance compliance, the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), Airworthiness Directives (ADs), and troubleshooting complex maintenance issues. Jim retired from Boeing on June 21, 2019.
While still at Boeing, he founded "Jim's Aviation Services" to maintain and conduct periodic FAA inspections on privately owned GA aircraft throughout western Washington. This side business flourished into a full-time passion post-retirement, where he modified an aircraft attempting a globe circling flight, as well as restored antique-category aircraft.
Jim was renowned for his meticulous work. He could often repair rather than replace, solving problems in mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, propeller, or engine components. He even extended his expertise to rebuilding trucks and cars, including their transmissions. More than once, he identified fundamental problems and weaknesses in a manufacturer's original design, such as in some aircraft spark plugs components, ...as well as a complex failure mode which occurred in a truck transmission. His consulting advice was widely sought after by both aircraft owners and operators, fellow mechanics, and IAs. He taught generations of new mechanics key practical skills, and that legacy will live on.
Jim's personal pride and joy was a 1950 Cessna 170A that he rebuilt and enhanced with a larger engine (210 hp versus the original 145 hp), which significantly improved its flight performance. He loved both working on and flying this unique aircraft. An avid animal lover, Jim had cats at home, and was frequently accompanied by his dogs, even sometime while working on a clients' aircraft.
A Vietnam-era disabled veteran, Jim faced significant medical challenges later in life and never fully recovered. Despite this, he remained a caring friend and loved his family. At later periods in his life, he was deeply involved in his local church. Jim died peacefully in his sleep, after his multiple medical conditions progressively deteriorated.
Jim was predeceased by his wife, Phillis, in 2017, and his son James, in1 1970. He is survived by his daughter Lita, son Tony Clark, former spouse Sharon Walton, their daughter Pamela Spillane, and seven grandchildren, including Andi Nelson, James Clark, Melania Musgrove, Levi Host, Jackie Ricketts, Jessica Ricketts, Eli Graber, and two great-grandchildren from Melania, Naomi and Oliver.