The sky was not the limit for Jim Hamilton

Artillery officer • aviator • paratrooper • chair S.C. Aeronautics Commission • president S.C. Aviation Trades Association • governor and key man of Columbia Hangar Quiet Birdmen • chair of Aviation Weekends for Charity • Founded Jamil Flying Fezzes • Founder and owner Midlands Aviation Corporation • Holds commercial pilot certificate with instrument, helicopter, single and multi engine land and single engine sea, ratings and a multi engine and instrument flight instructor certificate • member of S.C. Board for Mental Retardation • Member Babcock Center Board • Received Order of Palmetto • Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas Walt Disney Awards • 1993 S.C. Aviator of the Year • Chauffer • Spirit of Aviation Award • Manager of Curtiss Wright Hangar ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

On June 30, 2009, after 46 years, with the help of wife Pat, Jim Hamilton packs up his office at Jim Hamilton Airport, formerly Columbia Owens Downtown Airport. Dennis Dabney, S.C. Aeronautics Commissioner representing District 6, drops by to tell his dear friend good- bye on his last day as manager of the airpor Jim Hamilton in front of the Aviator Hall of Fame plaque in his office. The holographic images change from Hamilton as a pilot to Hamilton as a businessman. Jim Hamilton, manager of Columbia Owens Downtown Airport, brought a tiny airstrip in Rosewood to an in- town airport used by many including business leaders, politicians, the President of the United States, young people, and the sick.