James Stockdale, a man of extraordinary courage and character, passed away on July 5, 2005 at the age of 81. He was born and raised in Abingdon, Illinois on December 23, 1923. He was a renowned military leader and highly decorated member of the U.S. Navy. Stockdale served as a fighter pilot during the Korean War, during which he flew twenty-four combat missions before being shot down and taken as a prisoner of war. He was held captive for more than seven years, during which he was tortured and endured years of solitary confinement as a prisoner of the North Vietnamese government. For his heroic acts, including his refusal to sign a false confession, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Stockdale also served as a Vice Admiral and was the first Director of the Navy's Tailhook scandal investigation. He went on to become the President of the Naval War College. In 1963, he published “Thoughts of a Philosophical Fighter Pilot”, a memoir that reflected on his experiences as a fighter pilot and prisoner of war. Following his time in the military, he ran as Ross Perot's Vice Presidential running mate during the 1992 Presidential campaign. He is survived by his beloved wife and partner of sixty-three years, Sybil; his son, James; and his stepson, John H. Cooley. James Stockdale will be remembered as a man of courage, self-sacrifice and integrity. His achievements and contribution to this country are significant and will not be forgotten.