Eighth Air Force Historical Society - Virginia Chapter

The Eighth Air Force Historical Society
Virginia Chapter

Folded Wings....

High Flight

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence.
Hov'ring there I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high unsurpassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee
No 412 squadron, RCAF
Killed 11 December 1941

HUGHES, Thomas "Tom" Bassett, 54, of Richmond, won his place in Heaven after a long, courageous and inspiring battle with oral cancer. Tom was born in Richmond on January 25, 1956 at MCV. He worked as a painter for over 12 years for Willard Painting. Tom went to Collegiate Schools from K-12 and received the "13 year award" as a member of the Photography Club, Lambda Sigma Delta and graduated in 1974. He went to New England College in Henniker, N.H. and then later to VCU in Richmond. Tom was an active associate member of both the National and Virginia Chapters of the 8th Air Force Historical Society. He had a passion for fishing and won many family trophies for the largest bass and pike of the season in the Adirondacks. He adored spoiling his dogs and found great comfort in their loving antics. His mother, Joan Leilani Eddy Hughes, preceded him in death. His devoted wife of 25 years and loving caregiver, Jean Knaub Hughes, survives him. He is also survived by his father, Arter F. Hughes of Richmond; brother, C. Mackey Hughes II and his wife, Fiona, of Leesburg; nephews, Andrew and Patrick Durham and Arter F. Hughes II; sister, Anne T. Hughes and her husband, Jesus Avila, of Napa, Calif.; nephew, Robert; and niece, Marley Rudolf; sister, Josephine F. Hughes of Richmond; and niece, Leilani Porter; mother-in-law, Catherine A. Knaub; sister-in-law, Sandra K. Armstrong and her husband, Dr. James O. Armstrong; nieces, Ginger and Shelley; nephew, Ben and wife, Cindy; and great-nephews, Owen and Jacob, all of Chester; brother-in-law, James R. Knaub and his wife, Karen, of Arlington; nephew, Seth; and devoted family friend, Marina Weatherless. In lieu of flowers, Tom asked that you make donations in his name to VCU Massey Cancer Center, 401 College St., Richmond, Va. 23298, or the Richmond SPCA, 2519 Hermitage Rd., Richmond, Va. 23220. Online condolences may be made at: woodyfuneralhome.com.

View a slideshow of Tom by clicking here. Provided by his wife, Jean Knaub Hughes.

TRASK, Colonel James E., USAF, retired, aged 88, passed away peacefully at home in Williamsburg on July 12, 2009. Jim was born in Michigan City, Indiana. One of his proudest accomplishments was attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, BSA. He received a BS in Aeronautical Engineering at Purdue University and an MBA at the College of William and Mary. His first love was flying, and he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1941. He was in the first group of American pilots to be sent to England, flying the B-17 in combat, serving in the 482nd Bomb Group (Pathfinders). He served his country faithfully and with pride until his retirement in 1970 at Hqtrs TAC, Langley Air Force Base. Jim's public service continued after retirement in Williamsburg, where he taught at the business school at the College of William and Mary. He was admired by many of his students that kept in touch with him after graduation. He was involved in several organizations, including the Crown Colony Club, Order of the Golden Star - Theta Xi Fraternity, Beta Gamma Sigma (national scholastic honor society), Virginia Chapter of the 8th Air Force Historical Society (past president), American Legion, The Quiet Birdmen, and the Daedalians (a fraternity of military pilots). Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Irma Nygren Trask. He is survived by children, James D. Trask and his wife, Melissa, Jeffrey S. Trask and Apryl T. Altman and her husband, Dave; grandchildren, David Altman, Christy Altman, Allison T. Lawhorn and her husband, Jason, Kevin Altman and his wife, Jena, Megan Trask, Caitlyn Trask and Thomas Trask; and great-grandchildren, Vanessa Altman and Jacob Lawhorn. Family and friends will gather at Nelsen Funeral Home Friday, July 17, 2009 from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. Colonel Trask will be laid to final rest at Arlington National Cemetery on October 5, 2009 at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum, P.O. Box 1992, Savannah, Ga. 31402, or the Mason School of Business, College of William and Mary, P.O. Box 1693, Williamsburg, Va. 23187-8779. Online condolences may be registered at www.nelsencares.com.