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<em>James Wilis Rhymes</em> was born June 29, 1914, in Memphis, Tennessee, third of a family of four boys. When he was only three months old his parents, Mr. R. L Rhymes and Mrs. Lollie Rhymes moved to Macon, Georgia where Jim spent his boyhood days. There his likeable character won him many friends and he won the highest honor as a Boy Scout, an “Eagle Scout.” Jim graduated from Macon High School in 1932 and then attended Marion Military Institute in preparation for his entrance to West Point the following year.</p>
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Although temporarily delayed during his second year, Grover, as he was known to his classmates, resumed his career at the United States Military Academy. He came back with that friendly unassuming air that hid his rugged determination to succeed—a determination that would take no advantage at the expense of another and could stop for friends along the way—a determination that showed itself only in the red of his hair.</p>
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On June 14, 1938, he became Lieutenant James Willis Rhymes and chose the detail at the Air Corps Training Center. There at Randolph Field he carried on his schooling, working hard, never complaining, and ready to relax and enjoy the friendship of his fellow students. While there he took his bride, Miss Mildred Cavett.</p>
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Upon graduation from Kelly Field, Jim Rhymes was assigned to the Third Bombardment Group at Barksdale Field. There he carried on according to the highest Army traditions as shown by the letter of his Officer in charge.</p>
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SCHOOL FOR BOMBARDIERS</p>
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3rd Bombardment Group (L) Barksdale Field, La.</p>
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January 30, 1940. Subject: Commendation.</p>
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To: The Commanding Officer, 3rd Bob. Gp. (L)</p>
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1. Lieut. J. W. Rhymes has been on duty at this school since December 4, 1939, in connection with the training of enlisted Bombardiers.</p>
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2. During that period he prepared the subject matter and has given instruction to the students on determination of ground attackment. This is an involved subject with which he had no familiarity but which, through application mostly outside of duty hour, he mastered thoroughly in a short time.</p>
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3. In addition to his ground duties he performed his full portion of flying missions and, while not having sufficient service to be listed as a first pilot, became rapidly qualified to fly bombing missions as scheduled by the school.</p>
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4. His attention to and performance of duty has been superior in every way.</p>
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<em>HAROLD Q. HUGLIN, Captain, A. C., Officer In Charge.</em></p>
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The airplane crash at Meridian, Mississippi on February 10, 1940, took not only a classmate but a quiet determination of a fellow officer to fulfill his duty to his country.</p>
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