Biography

SMSGT James D. Silver, USAF Retired, of Dover died Friday evening June 20 at home. He was 75 years old.

SMSGT Silver was born April 3, 1933 in Marshall, North Carolina, the son of the late Diston and Robbie Payne Silver. After attending schools in Madison and Buncombe Counties, he enlisted in the military on 18 May, 1950. After attending Electronics School, he was assigned to many Air Force Bases including Europe, Asia and throughout the US.

He started his aircrew duties in 1957 where he traveled of over 70 countries and logged over 13,000 flying hours. His last assignment before retirement in October, 1979 was with the 9th Military Airlift Squadron as Loadmaster Superintendent at Dover AFB. His many service awards and decorations includes the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, Army/Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal with 3 oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Service Award, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Chief Air Crew Badge.

After retirement, John returned to college and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business. During that same period he managed automotive stores and the worked for the Delaware Department of Transportation.
He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, the North Philatelic Society and the Sons of the American Revolution. His lifelong hobbies were stamp collecting and fishing. In later years he had devoted much time to genealogy and became the Silver Family Historian.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Conchita E. Montenegro Silver, four sons, James Victor Silver of Madison, Connecticut, Robert Scott Silver of Springfield,Virginia, Roger Alan Silver of McKinney, Texas, and John Douglas Silver of Catonsville, Maryland. He is also survived by four granddaughters and six grandsons. He is preceded by his parents and a grandson.

Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia at a later date.

Graveside Services

Tuesday September 9, 2008, 12:45 PM at Arlington National Cemetery
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