Massey Air Museum

Jim Sypherd, 1945-2011

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Jim Sypherd, one of the founding members of the Massey Aerodrome, passed away on February 21, 2011. Jim will be fondly remembered for his favorite projects and boundless enthusiasm: the DC3, Windmill, Light Tower, Rotating Beacon and the Corsair. Jim always worked tirelessly, taking special pride in preparing the grounds for our fly-in events to ensure that we looked our best. We will try to maintain his high standards in the future. We miss him greatly.

Jim Sypherd Photo Album

James Maurice Sypherd
August 3, 1945 - February 21, 2011

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of James M. Sypherd, one of our founding partners. Massey began as the dream of four friends with a desire to form an old time aerodrome, open to the public, where people could enjoy the charm of the location, & the ambiance of the good old days of aviation. Jim was instrumental in choosing this farm as the site on which to build our airport, as well as many of the projects around the grounds that were his vision of what an old time aerodrome should have. There was no unattainable idea for Jim. From the DC 3, to the tower, the fueling station, the Corsair, & of course the windmill, Jim saw each piece as making the aerodrome more complete.

Although Jim loved his little Buc II amphibian, it was more common to see Jim working around the grounds on any project that needed attention, rather than in the air flying. It took a lot of work & dedication to turn a farm into what you see today & Jim was always in the thick of it when real life work allowed. From the initial financial investment to the hours & hours of hard work, Jim poured himself into making this dream of an airport into the reality of today, & his legacy is all around you. Look at the early pictures hanging in the aerodrome & you'll see Jim on a front end loader, a jackhammer, a mower, the other end of a broom or shovel, climbing the old tower or the windmill, rotating the prop on the Major's Stearman, he was always ready to help & our flatbed had many uses. His were always willing hands. He worked tirelessly to help groom the grounds for each event, making things measure up to his exacting standards.

Over the course of the last ten years, Jim, his partners, their spouses, & friends have come on a long journey from starting this venture, to making it the great little airport it has become today, & this was a source of pride & pleasure for Jim. His energy, his ready smile, his humility, & his enthusiasm for any task will be missed so very much.

Sleep well & be at peace my darling Jim. Your hard work is bearing fruit in all of the people enjoying your aerodrome today. It is a living memorial to all of your dedication to detail & love of aviation.

With all my love,

Your Jill