I first met Jim Lynch at the 1972 King Orange Internats in Jacksonville, Florida. He was flying what I believe was the first of his very original Volunteer series of Stunt models. The next time I saw Jim was at the 1974 Nats in Lake Charles, and he was again flying a Volunteer. Only this time he was really flying it. Jim had improved dramatically in the two years between those contests, and he continued to improve for the next several years. His models were always immaculate in building quality and in finish. I'll never forget his gorgeous Al Rabe-designed Bearcat at the 1976 Nats. He placed a very credible 6th that year against some very stiff competition. I know that he was very proud of that placing.
Jim and I became good friends in those years, and we kept in touch ever since. I last spoke with Jim a few weeks ago, and he seemed to be in a very good place. He knew his days were numbered, but in typical Jim Lynch fashion he just wanted to know what I was doing and what I was building. He loved model airplanes, but he loved people even more. And, he loved all people. Jim had a very deep faith in God and in Jesus Christ, and I know that he is with them now. And, if there is a flying field in heaven, the quality of the models there just went up significantly.
Godspeed Jim Lynch, you were one of a kind.
Bob Hunt