In Remembrance: James "jim" Rahn Saffley (1941-2022)

James “Jim” Rahn Saffley passed away on May 25, 2022 at the age of 81.

James served as Third President of PAMA from 1978-1982 when the PAMA National office was in St. Louis, MO.

Known to everyone as Jim he was a great leader of the association, he was also an outstanding leader in the aviation maintenance profession. Jim also was instrumental in giving guidance to new inspiring A&P Technicians.

Jim had a humble personality that never expected anything of others he was not willing to do himself. He was a confident man who was known by all as a trustworthy and loyal friend. Those close to him knew of his tough exterior with a big heart who was always willing to lend a helping hand. You always knew where you stood with Jim whether you liked it or not. He had an uncanny knack for seeing the potential in others they could not see in themselves.

Jim had a passion for aviation that encompassed over 60 years of his life. He started his career in aviation washing airplanes at the age of 19 and rose to the pinnacle of the industry eventually owning his own business--an FBO which provided commercial and private aviation services. Ironic how a man who was afraid of heights spent his whole life in and around airplanes.

Jim was the beloved husband of Barbara Saffley of Wentzville, Missouri. He is survived by his wife, his three daughters, Sandra (Hernandez), Donna (Eilerman) and Suzanne (Beckerman) and nine grandchildren--Mark, Jeffrey, Amy, Kristen, Ben, Alex, Jordan, Brianna and Brett. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Adolf Saffley and mother, Freida Loretta Saffley nee Spangenberg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Jim’s honor to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), in care of Pitman Funeral Home, P. O. Box 248, Wentzville, MO  63385

---