James Michael Bledsoe

James Michael Bledsoe, age 56, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2023, at his Salt Lake City home after battling brain cancer.

James was born August 19, 1966, in Walnut Creek, CA, to Joan Mary Benson and James Ronald Bledsoe. After graduating from Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek, he went to California State University, Chico. Upon graduation from Chico, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. James graduated from U.S. Army helicopter training and was qualified in the UH-1, AH-1, and AH-64 in 1992. His first assignment was as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC. After a brief stop at Fort Rucker, AL, and a promotion to Captain, James spent two years with the 2nd Infantry's AH-64 Attack Helicopter Battalion near the DMZ in South Korea from 1996-1998. Next, James was assigned to the Utah Army National Guard, where he transitioned to a full-time National Guard Soldier in West Jordan, Utah. James met his former wife, and they had two sons, James and Mitchell.

He was always focused on his work duties but kept his family at the forefront, always placing his family first. While the boys were very young, James accepted assignments at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, a combat assignment in Iraq, and an appointment at the Pentagon before returning to Utah in 2007. James was again promoted to lieutenant Colonel and assigned as the Battalion Commander for the 1-211th Attack Helicopter Battalion (AH-64), UTARNG. In 2011 James was assigned to the State Headquarters in Draper, Utah, where he served as the Director of Aviation and Safety. After 27 years of faithful and distinguished service to our nation, Colonel James Bledsoe retired in June 2015. His tenure included commanding at all levels, two master's degrees, and a combat deployment to Iraq. Units under his watch enjoyed unprecedented achievements for performance and safety in all measurable areas. He was the quiet professional, a modest and humble man that didn't brag or gloat but would pass on accolades and always give credit to others. At 49 and recently retired, he decided to continue his passion for flying and was hired at SkyWest Airlines. James enjoyed being an airline pilot flying the CRJ 200/700/900 locally and internationally. Still, he looked to expand his capabilities and took on a job in the training department teaching new pilots in the simulator. In September 2017, he married his love and trusted best friend, Laura. They enjoyed their short time together, and James enjoyed traveling with Laura and making her laugh. In August of 2018, James reached another major milestone by reaching a goal to work for a major airline and was hired by FedEx as a Boeing 777 instructor. In 2020, James joined the National Transportation Safety Board as an investigator for aviation accidents.

James “Coach” Bledsoe lived his life with integrity and modeled his behavior for others. He was always respectful and treated others with dignity and respect. A fantastic father to his two sons, he loved raising them to be responsible and respectful young men. James had varied interests and hobbies and met people along the way who became lifelong friends. Throughout his life, he enjoyed flying, Jeeping, boating, and riding motorcycles and mountain bikes. His love for traveling and enjoying the outdoors was unmatched. James was an active 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
James is survived by his loving wife, Laura, two stellar sons James and Mitchell, stepdaughter Kyle, and his father, Ron Bledsoe, and stepmother Pam Bledsoe. He is preceded in death by his brother Brett Allen Bledsoe and his mother, Joan Mary Roberts,

Celebration of Life will be conducted on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S 900 E, Salt Lake City, Utah. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to, Utah High School Mountain Biking, 758 S. Auto Mall Dr. Unit #3, American Fork, UT 84003

Interment and a graveside service will be conducted with full military honors at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd, Dixon, CA at a later date.