Jim “Hog” Piner was born at Barksdale Field (AFB), Louisiana as an “AF Brat” He joined the AF in 1958. After he retired at England AFB, he settled in Pineville, LA.
Jim says “The Hun was a great ride for over 10 yrs.” His total F-100 time = 2764 hrs. (with 451 hrs Combat), and he flew 50 missions with Misty in North VN Route Pack 1 & Laos.
James “Hog” Piner, LtCol USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on January 2, 2025.
James slipped the surly bonds of earth on January 21st, 2025. He flew west! Born at Barksdale Field Hospital in Bossier City, LA on February 28, 1937. He is preceded in death by his parents, M/Sgt. Henry T. Piner (USAF Retired) and Vivian B. (Deaton) Piner. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lentha J. Piner, his son Andy Piner (Britney Piner), and grandchildren Camille & Keller Piner.
Jim (aka Hog) Piner was a military dependent so grew up in seven states/schools and traveled throughout the western & southern states. He graduated high school in San Marcos, TX and attended Southwestern Texas State Teachers College, before enlisting in the US Air Force as an Aviation Cadet. He later earned his degree from the University of Omaha.
A fighter pilot by trade, Jim flew at least seven different airplanes and was stationed in at least four different countries, including Japan, Korea, Spain & Vietnam. In Vietnam, he flew 193 combat missions with 53 over North Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller, identifying & marking targets. In 1966, Jim married his favorite nurse, Capt. Lentha Varner and they began raising a family in 1969. He loved home projects, spending time with his kid/grandkids, enjoying watermelon, dark chocolate & BEvERages.
After retirement, Jim focused on child rearing and caring for his aging parents, occasionally striking a golf ball more times than he desired. As an active member of Palestine Methodist, he served as Treasurer for the Men’s Group, organized and rang the Salvation Army Red Kettle Bellringers annually at Christmastime and worked with the CENLA Food Bank at Ball Community Center.
A lifelong member of the Command Bar Stool Association, he also belonged to the Super Sabre Society, the Order of Daedalians and the Military Officers Assoc of America.
Jim did good on this earth, and he will be sorely missed.
A memorial service will be held 11AM on 2/8 at Palestine Methodist.
Obituary from The Advocate https://obituaries.theadvocate.com/obituary/james-piner-1092584268
Jim “Hog” Piner Caterpillar Story
Yes, I am guilty of ruining a perfectly good F-100D.
On 14 July 1968, I was leading a flight of 4-Ds out of Phu Cat AB, RVN. We were loaded with 2 Unfinned Napalm, 2 MK-82 Hi-Drag, and 20 MM. Our target was in the A Shau Valley, under FAC control. It was not good weather. The FAC marked the target and cleared us hot. I think he also cleared the VC gunner hot also. As I rolled in they opened up. I told everyone that we would only make 2 passes and to keep it moving. On my 2nd pass, old Charlie got lucky. I took 3 hits. I turned east (I liked the water), cleaned the wings, plugged in the burner and made the standard “Oh Shit” Mayday call. By the time I got “feet wet” the old bird was burning good, all the lights were on and the flight controls didn’t respond.
I guess it was almost like a controlled bailout. The wind blast was more than expected, and I had a problem getting stabilized (was on my back in a flat spin). (Should have gone to jump school) Then I noticed that I still had the “Gold Key” and it hadn’t stayed with the seat. So I pulled the “D Ring” and really slowed down (fast), turned off the beeper in the chute, deployed the seat pack life raft and inflated my water wings. Got wet, got into my dingy and waited about 10-15 minutes.
Two Marine cargo choppers stopped by and gave me a lift and ride to their base near Hue. Got a clean/dry flight suit and ride to Da Nang AB.
— Jim “Hog” Piner
