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I was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on 2 October 1924. I graduated from the University of Virginia June 1948 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering - Aero Option. From July 1948 through August 1949 I worked for 
Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. The very first version of the J-57 engine ran that summer. A redesign of the compressor was underway when I left.
September 1949 through June 1950: Instructor UVA Aero courses.
June 1950 - October 1958: Calhoun Chevrolet Co., Charlottesville, Virginia
December 1958 through 1961: Fairchild Aircraft, Hagerstown, Maryland as a Reliability Engineer.
Late December 1961 through September 1968: P&WA Fuel Controls Engineer and Assistant Project Engineer on the J-58 engine. Spent three weeks at Groom Lake in June 1964 and a week or so in 1966 or 1967. The last trip was a final installation and flight test of the EGT Trimmer prior to its incorporation into the Bill of Material. Bill Park was the pilot.
Earkt 1968 to Late 1984: F-100 Controls
Late 1984 through September 1987: Controls working with Arnie Gunderson and Lockheed people on Speed Trim Flight Test and program support at Palmdale.
Retired at end of September 1987.
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| PW Tales by Dr. Abernethy |
JAMES WATTS CALHOUN James Watts Calhoun, 85, of North Palm Beach, FL went home to be with the Lord Friday, April 16, 2010. He was born October 2, 1924 in Charlottesville, VA. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1948 where he received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Harrington Calhoun and Hannah Morris and his beloved wife of 56 years, Nancy Potwin Calhoun. Jim and his young family moved to North Palm beach in 1961, he worked 26 years at Pratt & Whitney as a Fuel Pump Engineer and made contributions to the F15 and SR71. He cherished the privilege of being a charter member of First Presbyterian Church of North Palm Beach. He humbly served in many capacities at First Presbyterian from delivering the flowers every Sunday to being a deacon, elder, trustee and on various committees. He held First Presbyterian very close to his heart. Along with his close friendship with the "TGIF group" he enjoyed traveling and fishing on his boat the "7 C's". Many trips where centered around visiting family and friends. He and his wife had the gift of hospitality, hosting numerous parties and offering support to many. The remaining family will dearly miss him and are as follows, Stephen, (wife, Teri) of Jupiter, FL, Margaret C. McKinzie of Wilmington, NC, Thomas of North Palm Beach, FL, Carolin C. Hedrick (Donald) of Montgomeryville, PA, Lois C. Mercer (William) of Raliegh, NC; nine grandchildren, Niki (Steven) Gourley, Sandi (Andy) Blystone, Jennifer McKinzie, Tracey McKinzie, Timothy McKinzie, Brittany Hedrick, Sarah Hedrick, Amanda Mercer, Heather Mercer and great-grandchild, Elijah Gourley. A Memorial Service was held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church of North Palm Beach, 717 Prosperity Farms Road, North Palm Beach, FL. The family received friends after the service in the Fellowship Hall. In Lieu of Flowers the family ask that donations in memory of Jim be given to First Presbyterian Church of North Palm Beach. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries Published in The Palm Beach Post from April 22 to April 29, 2010;
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