~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, DL Capt. James “Jim” Cagle
March 28, 1938 — June 7, 2026
Beyond his accomplishments as a pilot and leader,
James was a gifted artist and author (i.e. song “Christmas Time” and book “The Story
of Santa Claus, Junior” ……………………..
Delta Golden Wings member retired Delta pilot James
Valentine Cagle joined Delta Air Lines 07-19-1965 and was based
MSY/DFW/ATL. Jim is survived by his wife
Ann, and by his three sons and their families.
For those who may wish to send a personal note, the Cagle’s address is
listed in whitepages :
1315 Church
St, Columbia, MS 39429.
A wonderful family photo gallery is available on
the funeral home’s website, please visit
https://www.hathornfuneralhome.com/obituaries/james-cagle
PCN memorial site
https://www.hathornfuneralhome.com/obituaries/james-cagle
Funeral services will be held at 5:00 pm on
Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Columbia Presbyterian Church in Columbia for James
Valentine Cagle, 88 of Columbia, who passed away Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia……………..
James was a man whose life was defined by his
unwavering devotion to God, his family, and the skies. Above all else, James
was a faithful servant of the Lord. He lived out his deep Christian faith every
day, serving as a dedicated deacon for the Presbyterian Church from 1981
through the present. His profound love for his wife, Ann, was the heartbeat of
his home, and together they built a family rooted in love and shared
adventures. James’s greatest joy in aviation was blending his love for family
with his passion for the clouds, proudly instructing his entire family on how
to fly.
His remarkable journey in the air began with seven
years of honorable service as a U.S. Army aviator piloting fixed-wing aircraft,
followed by a long and distinguished career with Delta Air Lines. His mastery
of the skies was officially recognized by the FAA with the prestigious Master
Pilot Award, and even after retiring from the commercial airlines, his
adventurous spirit led him to the rugged terrain of Alaska to serve as a bush
pilot.
Driven by his desire to invest in the next
generation, James channeled his faith into action by founding two impactful
youth ministries, "Teens Incorporated" and "Harvest
Ministries." He was also highly regarded in his community, recognized as
the Alumni of the Year at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Beyond his
accomplishments as a pilot and leader, James was a gifted artist who composed
many songs throughout his life—most notably his single “Christmas Time,” which
reached number one on the Billboard charts in the late 1970s. James will be
remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, a faithful church leader, and
a master pilot who taught those he loved how to soar both in this life and the
next.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, James O.
Cagle & Mamie Brock Cagle; and his one Sister, Joellen Landers. He was
survived by his Wife of sixty-seven years, Ann Burris Cagle, of Columbia; three
Sons, James O. Cagle, II (Angela), of Columbia, William H. Cagle (Jill), of
Mountain Rest, South Carolina, Christopher V. Cagle (Valerie), of Sumrall; one
Brother, William Cagle, of Daytona, Florida; ten Grandchildren, Olivia Cagle,
of Long Creek, South Carolina, James Cagle, of Long Creek, South Carolina, Anne
Marie Placereani (Dan), of Mountain Rest, South Carolina, Elizabeth Cagle, of
Walhalla, South Carolina, Jacob Cagle, of Mountain Rest, South Carolina, Sarah
Cagle, of Columbia, Benjamin Cagle (Gracie), of Walhalla, South Carolina,
Jonathan Cagle, of Mountain Rest, South Carolina, Davis Cagle, of Sumrall,
Daniel Cagle, of Sumrall; and five Great Grandchildren, Elijah Placereani, Emma
Placereani, Josiah Placereani, Madi Cagle, David Alexander Cagle.
Mr. Cagle will be carried to his final resting
place by his Grandsons serving as Pallbearers: Benjamin Cagle, Daniel Cagle,
Davis Cagle, Jacob Cagle, James V. Cagle, II, and Jonathan Cagle. Honorary
Pallbearers will be Dr. Bert Beisel, Danny Childress, Chris Cook, Rev. Houston
Cunningham, Ricky Ladner, Sonny Magee, James May, Scott Mobley, Don Regan, Dan
Smith, Shahrukh Sheikh, Rev. Tom Thurman, Steve Warren, Mickey Webb, and Cary
Williams.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to
Harvest Ministries.
Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia is in charge of
the arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.hathornfuneralhome.com
