James David Sellers, 65, of Mansfield, a retired U.S. Air Force major, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2013. Graveside service: 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, with full military honors. Memorials: Donations may be made to the North Texas Food Bank, ntfb.org. Born in Ellijay, Ga., Dave received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University in 1969. He met and married Mary in 1970, while he was stationed at Mather Air Force Base, Sacramento, Calif., and he later received his master's in business administration from the University of Georgia in 1973. Maj. Sellers served with distinction from 1969 through 1989, and was stationed for the majority of his career at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. His sons treasure their dad's contribution to the manufacturing and construction of the B-2 Spirit bomber, the "Stealth," and the A-10 Thunderbolt, the "Warthog," which served with distinction during Operation Desert Storm. During his Air Force career, the major also worked on the F-15E Strike Eagle, the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the B-1B Lancer bomber, among other projects. Dave was awarded numerous decorations and awards throughout his career, including the Meritorious Service Medal twice and the Air Force Commendation Medal thrice. Transitioning to the private sector and moving his family to the Metroplex in 1989, Dave worked to ensure quality in manufacturing for LTV Aerospace, McDonnell Douglas and The Boeing Co. During his private career, Dave continued his work on the B-2 as well as the C-17 Globemaster transport. Though they returned to Georgia for a short time, the balance of his second career was spent in Mansfield. Dave retired in 2013 to spend more time with his beloved basset hound, Beauregard, and his grandson. He hoped to use more of his season tickets to watch Florida State football and to teach his daughters-in-law and grandson his favorite hobby -- shooting. Survivors: Wife of 42 years, Mary Ellyn; sons, James Michael (husband to Beth) and Brian Jeffrey (husband to Alyssa and father to Jeffrey Jackson); father, Charles Harley; and brother, Charles Jerry.

Published in Star-Telegram on April 14, 2013