Duke Field, Fla. -- The 919th Special Operations Wing joins the Air Force Reserve Command community in mourning the passing of a Duke Field pioneer, and a leader whose impact on the Reserve family was both profound and lasting.
Lt. Gen. James Sherrard III passed away at an area hospital in Pensacola, Fla., March 13, 2025.
In his final assignment, Sherrard served as the Chief of Air Force Reserve Command, overseeing world-wide operations until his retirement. His leadership shaped the modernization and growth of the Reserve component, ensuring it remained an integral part of the total force. He also served as the commander of 4th Air Force, 22nd Air Force and the deputy commander of AFRC.
Sherrard had strong ties to the 919th, having served as an instructor pilot, C-130A/B and AC-130A flight examiner, and squadron operations officer for the then, 919th Tactical Airlift Group at Duke Field from 1971 to 1977. Here, he helped shape the unit’s operational excellence and mission readiness, leaving a lasting legacy on the Airmen of the 919 SOW.
“Lt. Gen. James Sherrard, or Jimmy as he was known to the early Duke guys, will always be remembered as a product of the 919th Special Operations Wing,” said Ret. Col. Al Greenup, who served with Sherrard in the 1970s. “From the very early days at Duke Field, everyone knew from the git-go that Jimmy Sherrard had boundless potential. He was extraordinarily smart and a natural leader.”
According to his old colleagues from the 919th, Sherrard’s leadership extended beyond strategy. He was known for his ability to inspire and uplift those around him. Whether mentoring young Airmen or reassuring senior leaders during critical operations, he led with a positive and efficient attitude.
“He was always holding the squadron together and keeping the squadron commander brief up and informed on what was happening,” said Ret. Maj. Gen. Clay McCutchan, who also served with Sherrard during his stint as a member of the 919thTactical Airlift Group. “In a reserve unit, where leadership is often split between full-time and reservists, having someone like him was critical. He ensured everything ran smoothly, keeping everyone aligned and the mission on track”
While working as an operations officer at the 919th, Sherrard’s impact was particularly evident during major transitions, such as the 919th’s shift to AC-130A gunships. The change required recruiting and training new personnel while adapting to a vastly different operational structure.
“Before you know it, that impossible task was gained, and we really had done an outstanding job leading,” recalled McCutchan. “He just started working on it, leading the team, putting everything together, and somehow made it all happen… We had to go out and find those people and get them trained up, and Jimmy was right in the middle of making that happen. We went from a single, trained five-man crew to 14 when the unit was first established at Duke Field, which was incredible to pull off in such a short time. It wasn’t just about numbers—it was about getting the right people, making sure they were ready, and leading them through such a huge change.”
Sherrard stayed active as a proponent for Citizen Air Commandos at Duke Field returning to the local area upon his retirement in 2004. Colleagues of Sherrard claim his dedication to excellence and service and impact on the Air Force Reserve continue to inspire generations of Citizen Air Commandos.
“The 919th SOW will always be grateful to General Sherrard for his contributions in standing the unit up at Duke Field and the more than three decades of service that followed, which culminated in his ascension to the highest post in the Air Force Reserve,” said Col. Scott Hurrelbrink, 919th SOW commander. “He also provided valuable input to the wing's command team which enabled the unit to move forward with a new mission in the recent past. General Sherrard left an indelible mark on the lives of many and will be remembered as an extremely intelligent leader who cared deeply about the country and the Airmen who serve so selflessly.”