Honorees

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Year Honored
2008
Honoree
James C Archer
Agency
North Mississippi Medical Center
Agency City
Tupelo
Agency State
MS
Last Call
1/5/05
Cause of Death
Medical Aviation Accident
Biography
Flying for the aero medical services includes being part of an elite team, which was a gratifying experience for pilot James Archer. He enjoyed having the opportunity to work with a highly trained medical team. They bring a wealth of knowledge to keep life going and to move as quickly as possible to achieve success in the field.<br /> <br /> James Archer, 58, of Wren, Mississippi, was killed in the Line of Duty January 5, 2005. Pilot Archer was loading a patient onto the air ambulance when the stretcher hit the chin bubble of the helicopter. The patient was transferred to another helicopter, and repairs were made to the first helicopter. After damage was repaired, James departed en-route to the home base, soon after take-off the helicopter crashed and killed Archer.<br /> <br /> Mr. Archer was a pilot for Air Methods Corporation, based at North Mississippi Medical Center. He began his flying career as a jet aircraft mechanic in 1968 with the Meridian Air National Guard. He transferred from there to the Army Guard in Tupelo, where he attended Army Officer Candidate School, Army basic and Army Rotary Wing Flight Training. He flew for the National Guard, Tupelo Police Department and Mississippi Forestry Service. James was a founding father of the Wren Volunteer Fire Department and served in many areas for over 25 years.<br /> <br /> "Flying for the past 10 years in the medical field is the most gratifying job I have ever had. I feel fortunate to be part of a team that I truly love, and I think is so important for people in need of immediate medical help," stated James Archer in an interview before his death.<br /> <br /> Honored 2008