James D. Silver, 75

DOVER - Reitred U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. James D. Silver, of Dover, died Friday, June 20, 2008, at home. He was 75.

James was born April 3, 1933, in Marshall, N.C., son of the late Diston and Robbie (Payne) Silver.

After attending schools in Madison and Buncombe counties, he enlisted in the military on May 18, 1950.

After attending electronics school, he was assigned to many air force bases, including in Europe, Asia and throughout the United States.

James started his air crew duties in 1957, where he traveled to more than 70 countries and logged more than 13,000 flying hours.

His last assignment before retirement in October 1979 was with the 9th Military Airlift Squadron as loadmaster superintendent at Dover Air Force Base.

His many service awards and decorations includes the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army/Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal with three oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Service Award, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Chief Air Crew Badge.

After retirement, James returned to college and earned a bachelor's degree in business.

During that same period he managed automotive stores and the worked for the Delaware Department of Transportation.

James was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, the North Philatelic Society and the Sons of the American Revolution.

His lifelong hobbies were stamp collecting and fishing.

In later years he had devoted much time to genealogy and became the Silver family historian.

He was preceded by his parents and a grandson.

James is survived by his wife of 49 years, Conchita E. Montenegro Silver; four sons, James Victor Silver of Madison, Conn., Robert Scott Silver of Springfield, Va., Roger Alan Silver of McKinney, Texas, and John Douglas Silver of Catonsville, Md.; four granddaughters; and six grandsons.

Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., at a later date.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Camden-Wyoming Fire Co., P.O. Box 186, Camden, DE 19934.

Arrangements by Torbert Funeral Chapel, Dover.

Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at torbertfuneral.com.