Wallybird

~ IN MEMORY ~ Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. James Austin Ball February 8, 1944 – December 13, 2025 Jim joined Western Airlines 09-08-1986 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2003.  He is survived by his wife Patricia.  Jim had most recently resided in South Dakota : 13959 Canyon Spur, Piedmont, SD 57769.  James “Jim” Continue reading

~ IN MEMORY ~ PNA/WA/DL Capt. Jack Charles Volkel October 4, 1942 ~ November 1, 2025 We have learned that Captain Jack Volkel Jr. passed away the weekend of November 1st.  Jack began his commercial flying with PNA/Western Airlines 03-15-1965 and retired with Delta Air Lines based PDX/030 at time of retirement.  Aviation professionals abound Continue reading

Raised in Stamford, Connecticut, Hal earned a degree in Psychology from Fordham University. Following his passion for plane flight, he served in the US Air Force, later becoming a pilot for Western Airlines and relocating to San Ramon, CA. Hal and Ilene Smith married in 1959 and raised three children: Keith, Nancy and Michael. He Continue reading

~ IN MEMORY ~ WA/DL Capt. Michael “Mike” Keith Magnell July 30, 1946 – September 23, 2025 Michael Keith Magnell was born on July 30, 1946 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He passed on September 23, 2025 in Orange County, California with his wife Iris and nephews Neal and Jim by his side. He lived a Continue reading

The 100 year anniversary of our beloved “Only Way to Fly”, Western Airlines 1926-2026 reunion is happening on September 22 & 23, 2026 at The Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. The website is up and ready to receive your participation.  https://westernairlines100.com Bring your memories, your stories, your name tags (if you still have them) Continue reading