About – Chappie James Memorial

General Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. Memorial Foundation, Inc.

About the Foundation

It was a miracle. The confluence of several events: the building of a new 3-mile bridge connecting Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, the recognition of the racial gaps in our community, and the understanding that everyone needs a hero to look up to – led to the founding of the General Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. Memorial Foundation. The Foundation was formed in 2019 to help educate the community and memorialize the life and legacy of General Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr., a native son of Pensacola, Florida.

Our first mission: to have the new 3-mile bridge named for General “Chappie” James. That mission was accomplished in June 2020 when Florida Governor DeSantis signed into law a statewide infrastructure naming bill. The law included the naming of the new bridge in honor of our hometown hero, General James.

Our next mission: continue to increase awareness of the General and his legacy, including the building of a memorial plaza at the Pensacola end of the “Chappie” James Bridge. The plaza will include a larger-than-life statue of General James and an F-4 Phantom, the aircraft he flew during the Viet Nam War.

Members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and Advisory Committees come from all walks of life – but all have one thing in common: a true respect for our nation’s first African-American four-star general, and hometown hero, General Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. We are committed to increasing awareness of the General and his legacy throughout Northwest Florida and beyond in order to help instill in our community the values of patriotism, leadership, perseverance, confidence, and eternal optimism.

The Foundation has adopted as its motto General James’ mother’s “Eleventh Commandment” – Thou Shalt Not Quit!

Meet Our Board of Directors

Cris Dosev, Chairman

“General James’s legacy is a bridge from one generation to another, communicating an eternal message – -that this country is a gift and worthy of the sacrifice that requires the productive energy of a grateful people.”

“I first heard of General “Chappie” James about the time I was graduating from the Naval Academy in 1975.” The big news story was about the General becoming the first African-American 4-star officer in our military which seemed an almost impossible accomplishment in the immediate aftermath of the Vietnam War and the civil rights issues of that day. Even in the Navy, General James’s reputation as a war hero and inspirational speaker was well established. Many years later, in retirement, I moved to Pensacola and learned that it was General James’ hometown. I learned more about his legacy and his family as I became involved in the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation. The confluence of events mentioned above made me jump at the opportunity to be involved in this effort to further the General’s beliefs and legacy. I’m honored to be part of the catalyst to pull the community together, bridge the gaps, and make us stronger.” – Butch Hansen, Board Treasurer, Captain, USN Ret.

Butch Hansen, Captain USN Ret., Treasurer

Ken Pyle, Captain USN Ret., Secretary

“I remember hearing about the effort to name the new bridge across Pensacola Bay after General Daniel ‘Chappie’ James, Jr. I knew immediately that I wanted to lend my support to this worthy effort to bring attention, recognition, and honor to General James and his family’s legacy in Pensacola. My recollections of General James in the early 197o’s centered around his heroics as commander of Wheelus AFB, which he strongly and vociferously defended from Muammar Khadafy’s bullying threats. As a new, young Naval Aviator, I also heard of his exploits in Vietnam as an F-4 Phantom fighter pilot. He was an American hero, a leader, and a great patriot and role model for me to emulate.” – Ken Pyle, Board Secretary, Captain, USN Ret.

“When I was five years of age General Chappie James’ mother was my kindergarten teacher on Alcaniz Street when schools were still segregated in Pensacola. General James was a living legend in our black community and we all were inspired to reach beyond the clouds of adversity and soar high. It was great Americans like General James to which I credit my career for service to others. What better role model could I have followed than someone who was from my neighborhood and educated by his brilliant mother in my most formative years.” – Dr. Cedric Alexander, Board Member

Dr. Cedric L. Alexander

Joseph M. Denmon, Master Sergeant, USAF Ret

“General Daniel “Chappie” James and my father, Master Chief Augustus Denmon were fully responsible for my career in the military. At the age of 19, I was escorted by General James and my dad to the old Arno Building on Palafox (the old Pensacola Post Office). They made sure my enlistment went smoothly and it did launch my USAF career. Many years later I served with General James in Thailand. I’m proud to have known him and am thrilled to be on the Board!” – Joe Denmon, Board Member, Master Sergeant (Combat Engineer), USAF, Ret.

“I wasn’t born in Pensacola, but my father was. My father often talked with pride about the fact that Chappie James was from his hometown and had grown up just blocks away from my grandmother’s house. Years later, when I had the opportunity to join this Board and help educate the community about this local hero, I jumped at the chance. I just wish my dad was alive so I could share this wonderful experience with him.” Lee Hansen, Board Member, Captain USN Ret.

Lee Hansen, Captain USN Ret.

Joe Kinego, Colonel USAF Ret.

“I was in Air Force pilot training in 1968 when then Colonel James, who was serving as the vice commander of the 33rd TFW at Eglin AFB at the time, came and spoke to my pilot training class. He had recently returned from Vietnam and he knew most of us were on our way to Vietnam after pilot training. His words to us were inspirational and I immediately knew this was a man I wanted to emulate. If you were an Air Force pilot while I was in the Air Force you not only knew of General James’ outstanding career and flying record, but you also knew about his leadership and personal values. He was truly an inspiration to us all. I am honored to join this Board and be able to educate our community about an American hero who put service above self – a true leader!” – Joe Kinego, Board Member, Colonel, USAF Ret.

Advisory Groups

The General Daniel Chappie James, Jr. Memorial Foundation Inc. is very fortunate to have two advisory groups to help with our mission. The local advisory committee is made up of stakeholders in the Northwest Florida area-people who understand the importance of our mission for all the residents of the community. The national advisory board expands our sphere of influence across the country to help share with all Americans the amazing legacy of General James.

We thank them for their service to this cause.

Local Advisory Committee

Claude James, Son of General James

Jerry Unruh, Vice Admiral USN Ret.

Joe DeReuil, JDA Structural Engineering

Kris Elliott, Esq., LtCol. USMC Ret.

C.E. Holzworth, Colonel USMC Ret.

Norm “Frenchy” LaFountaine, Corporal. USMC, Med Ret.

Sue Straughn, Senior News Anchor WEAR TV 3

Grover Robinson, Mayor of Pensacola

Lumon May, Escambia County Commissioner

Hill Goodspeed, Historian, National Naval Aviation Museum

Kevin Miller, Captain USN Ret.

Mike Brennan, LtCol. USAF Ret.

National Advisory Board

Don “Doc” Ballard MOH, Col, USA Ret.

Melvin Morris MOH, SFC, USA Ret.

Robert Patterson MOH, CSM, USA Ret.

Lloyd W. “Fig” Newton, Gen USAF Ret.

Leon Johnson, BGen USAF Ret., Tuskegee Airmen Inc. National President

Derrick Brooks, NFL Hall of Fame

Clifton W. Curtis Jr., President, Daniel Chappie James Flight Academy

Ellis Jones, Board President, Chappie James Museum of Pensacola, Inc.

Bill Kurtis, Kurtis Productions, Ltd.

“He was an excellent speaker, a very powerful motivator, and he’s a very imposing figure.” – Lt. Gen. Daniel James III