James A. Hedges

James Alfred Hedges passed away on February 6th, 2025, at the age of 94 years in Saint Louis Missouri. James was born January 31, 1931,in Johnson Twp, Knox county, Vincennes, Indiana to Chester and Bessie (Decker) Hedges. James is survived by his loving wife of 73 years Betty Marie (Neal) Hedges, children and spouses, James Alfred (Patricia) Hedges Jr, Susan Marie (Drew) Johnson, and Dr. Robert Allen (Michelle) Hedges, Grandchildren and spouses; Nathan (Michelle) Crowe, Joshua (Cathy) Crowe, Sarah (Michael) Clay, Matthew Oden (Veronica) Potter. Great grandchildren; Michael James (Geneva) Crowe, Damon Crowe, Ryan and Tyler Crowe, Ava James Clay, Eston Xavier Clay, Simon Oden Potter, Great-great grandchildren: Adrina Crowe, Owen Crowe. James was preceded in death by his brother Chester Harold Hedges and his sister Eva Jeanette Lane.

James grew up on his parents’ farm near Vincennes, Indiana. He graduated from Decker High School (1948) then enjoyed farming with his parents for 3 years. James enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951 and served four years during the Korean War, He proposed marriage to Betty Marie Neal just before starting his Air Force assignment and they were married on December 29, 1951. James last assignment was at Williams Air Force Base near Chandler, Arizona for 2.5 years. After discharge from the Air Force in 1955, James used the GI Bill entitlement funds for tuition and living expenses for his family while attending Vincennes University and Purdue University. He obtained the Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering degree in1959, with a family of two children.

After graduation he embarked on what became a 30 year career in the Aerospace Industry.

The first position was 5 years with The Martin Company in Baltimore, Maryland supervising the design of Mace Missile ground support equipment and design and test static power converters for the Titan II Missile.

He moved on to St. Louis and worked a total of 25 years with McDonnell Aircraft Company. Some of the assignments were, Gemini Space Craft Guidance and Control, design of Sprint Missile ground support and launch equipment, Sub System Manager of the F 15 Aircraft flight control system.

The last 5-year assignment involved moving the family to Arizona and preparing a portion of the electronic equipment proposal for a new helicopter for the US Army. This was the last assignment, and he took retirement. During early retirement they remained in Arizona and traveled abroad and in their RV to all US states and later moved back to Missouri.

Throughout their married life Jim and Betty made many long lasting friendships in AZ and MO. They enjoyed camping with friends and family, and boating . He had a workshop where he did many projects for their homes and helped boys with their 4-H projects. Jim had much interest in aerospace and took time to learn how to fly and had his own airplane for a period of time.

He had a deep Christian Faith and was devoted to support of the United Methodist Church through service in various roles of leadership.

He believed in excellent education and was a Board Member of Francis Howell School District for 9 years to improve the educational process.

He was a loving husband and father and loved to be a part of all family gatherings.

Memorial Donations may be made in James' name to The First St. Charles United Methodist Church.

You can watch the livestream for the funeral service at the following link: http://youtube.com/@firststcharlesumc.