James Douglas Lang passed peacefully on November 15, 2024, in Needham, Massachusetts, at the age of 82. Born on March 22, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, James lived a remarkable life marked by service to his country, professional achievement, and devotion to family.

A Distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, James pursued advanced studies that reflected his passion for aerospace innovation. He earned a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University and a PhD in Aerodynamics from Cranfield Institute of Technology in England.

His distinguished career began with 25 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. He flew 320 combat missions as a Forward Air Controller during the Vietnam War and was awarded, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, Purple Heart, two Meritorious Service Medals, and sixteen Air Medals for his valor and dedication. He served as an Associate Professor of Aeronautics at the Air Force Academy for six years and spent the remainder of his military career at Wright Patterson Air Force Base Aeronautical Systems Division as an Engineering Test Pilot, Chief of the Avionics Laboratory and as Deputy for Engineering. He retired in 1988 as a Colonel having been awarded the Legion of Merit.

Following his military service, James joined Boeing (and McDonnell Douglas) for eleven years of innovation and leadership in the roles Chief Engineer of the National Aerospace Plane (NASP), the F-15 “Eagle” and F-4 “Phantom” programs and retired in 1999 as Director of Technology Development in the Phantom Works organization. He served on the USAF Scientific Advisory Board and was recognized as a Fellow of both the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Royal Aeronautical Society.

After his second “retirement” he continued following his passion and taught in the Aerospace Engineering program at University of California – San Diego along with acting as Principal Investigator a DARPA flight test program continuing the work he started as his PhD thesis. Beyond his professional accomplishments, James enjoyed being involved in his local homeowners’ associations and cherished traveling and spending time with his family. He is survived by his two children, Nina Kohnen (Michael) of Wellesley, Massachusetts, and Andrew Lang (Leslie) of Chesterfield, Missouri; six grandchildren: Nathaniel, Zachary, Madalyn, Evelyn, Nicholas, and Olivia; and siblings Richard Lang and Gloria Batek (Thomas) of Chicago, Illinois.

James will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife Elaine at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. A ceremony to honor his life will take place on December 27, 2024 He contributed to many charities involving human rights, education and healthcare throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in his memory.

James D. Lang will be remembered for his love of family, commitment to others, and enduring legacy of service. May he rest in peace.