LUCKING JAMES R

WO1 James R. Lucking was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 07/28/2023 at the age of 81.8
Oak Point, TX
Flight Class 67-19
Date of Birth 10/17/1941
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 121 AHC in 67-68, 478 HHC in 70-71
Call signs in Vietnam VIKING 21, HURRICANE 21
This information was provided by Wife Elizabeth

More detail on this person: James Richard Lucking passed away in Frisco, Texas on Friday, July 28, 2023. He was born in Hastings, Minnesota on October 17, 1941 to Sylvester and Janet Lucking. Jim enlisted in the United States Army on October 21, 1958 at 17 years old and served as an enlisted man until November of 1966 achieving the rank of Sargent. In October of 1967, Jim went to Warrant Officer Helicopter Flight School and was promoted to Warrant Officer. During his first tour in Vietnam he flew Combat Helicopters and was shot down in June of 1968. He flew crane helicopters during his second tour of Vietnam in 1970. Jim would go on to complete various military helicopter assignments before retiring in March of 1994. After 9/11, Jim felt the responsibility to return to the Army as an instructor for Black Hawk Helicopter Pilots and re-retired in July of 2003. He was awarded numerous medals for his efforts, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of Merit. Jim married Elizabeth on February 14, 1999. They spent 24 years together where they found a love of horses and trail riding but most of all, sharing the farm life with their grandchildren and creating memories of a lifetime. Jim will be remembered as a dedicated soldier serving our country and sharing his love of life with all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Jim is survived by his wife and best friend, Elizabeth and a blended family consisting of 4 children, 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends. Visitation will be held at DeBerry Funeral Directors from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 3, 2023. Jim will be laid to rest at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity or the Parkinson's Foundation in Jim's honor.

Burial information: Fort Snelling National Cemetery

This information was last updated 02/28/2024

Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters

Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list

Return to VHPA web site

Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025