James Lloyd Hogan

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. James Lloyd Hogan, beloved patriarch of the prominent Hogan family, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, veteran, and one of the aviation industry’s most respected leaders. Jim passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by the love of his family. His remarkable life was defined by unwavering integrity, exceptional service, and a steadfast commitment to his family, his country, and the advancement of aviation safety around the world.

Born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Jim was the cherished son of the late James Borroughs Hogan and Annie Mae Hogan. He was raised on the beloved Hogan Family Farm, where he developed the values of hard work, humility, and perseverance that remained the foundation of his life. He graduated from Chapel Hill High School with the Class of 1965. Jim was formerly a resident of Cordova, Tennessee, and most recently made his home in Acworth, Georgia.

A true trailblazer in the aviation industry, Jim dedicated his life’s work to improving the safety and reliability of aircraft maintenance and operations. During his distinguished career with FedEx Corporate, he authored the company’s comprehensive flight maintenance manual, a groundbreaking resource that became the standard for maintenance operations throughout the organization. He traveled across the globe teaching and implementing the program, sharing his expertise with aviation professionals worldwide. Upon his retirement after over twenty years of dedicated service, the manual he created remained the foundation of FedEx’s maintenance training and continues to be utilized today—a lasting testament to his vision, knowledge, and influence.

Following his retirement from FedEx, Jim’s passion for aviation safety never ceased. He continued serving the industry as a Senior MNT/CGO/SEC Consultant, lending his decades of expertise to organizations around the world. From January 2016 until August 2019, he served as an Aviation Safety Consultant for Maintenance, Ground Handling, Cargo, and Security with MBA Aviation Consulting Limited in Washington, D.C. He later joined GHS Aviation Group, where he faithfully served as a Senior MNT/GRH/CGO/SEC Consultant from January 2020 until his passing, continuing to mentor aviation professionals and champion the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.

Jim’s commitment to service began long before his corporate career. He honorably served in the United States Air Force, enlisting on July 8, 1968, and retiring as a Master Sergeant on September 30, 1988, after more than twenty years of exemplary military service. Throughout his career, he earned the respect of both his peers and superiors for his leadership, professionalism, and technical expertise. In January 1975, he was recognized as NCO of the Month for the 316th Field Maintenance Squadron, an honor reflecting his outstanding dedication and performance. From April 1978 through October 1984, he served as a C-141 Flight Engineer and Examiner with the 20th Military Airlift Squadron, helping train and evaluate fellow airmen while ensuring mission readiness.

Never one to stop learning, Jim furthered his education by earning an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Aircraft Accessory Systems Technology, along with studies in Flight Engineering, from the Community College of the Air Force, graduating on June 12, 1988. His pursuit of excellence and mastery of his profession distinguished him as one of the aviation community’s most trusted experts.

Beyond his remarkable career, Jim embraced life with the same enthusiasm and curiosity that defined his profession. He was an avid sports enthusiast who faithfully cheered for the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Memphis Tigers in both football and basketball. In his younger years, he enjoyed spending time on the golf course and throughout his life found great joy in attending air shows, hunting, and traveling the world while experiencing different cultures. He appreciated the timeless beauty of classical music and especially loved jazz, while also rarely missing an opportunity to keep up with current events by watching Fox News. Whether exploring a new country or simply enjoying time with those he loved, Jim lived each day with gratitude, quiet confidence, and an enduring appreciation for life.

Jim was a highly decorated veteran who loved his country deeply. He proudly stood for the American flag, honored the freedoms it represented, and embodied the values of duty, honor, and sacrifice throughout his life. Whether in military uniform, in the corporate aviation world, or consulting internationally, he served with humility, excellence, and unwavering dedication until his very last breath.

While his professional accomplishments were extraordinary, they were never what mattered most to him. Above every title, award, or achievement, Jim treasured his family. As the patriarch of the Hogan family, he led by example with strength, wisdom, faith, compassion, and unwavering love. He set the bar high and established standards of excellence for his family, always encouraging them to strive for success, work hard, and pursue their fullest potential. More than anything, he wanted the very best for each of them, offering unwavering support, guidance, and love every step of the way. His character shaped generations, and his legacy will live on through the countless lives he influenced—not only in aviation, but within his family and community.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of fifty years, Elizabeth Ann Holloway Hogan of Acworth, GA; his children, Ashley Hogan Burgess and husband, Daniel of Marietta, GA, James Lloyd Hogan II and wife, Rebekah of Albany, NY, and Patricia Riley of Memphis, TN; his beloved grandchildren, Anna Elizabeth Hogan Beale and husband, Kody of Lebanon, TN, Caroline Hogan Burgess of Marietta, GA, Caleigh Jean Hogan of Albany, NY, James Benjamin Nicholas Hogan of Albany, NY, and Sebastian Joseph Hogan of Albany, NY; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Elizabeth-James Beale (6mo.) and William Kase Beale (10). He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family members, all of whom will forever treasure his love, guidance, and example.

The Hogan Family warmly invites all who knew and loved Jim to join them in celebrating his remarkable life at a Memorial Service with Full Military Honors, to be held at Georgia National Cemetery on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 12:30 p.m., as they gather to honor his legacy of service, faith, family, and country.

Georgia National Cemetery- Canton, Georgia

Address: 1080 Scott Hudgens Dr, Canton, GA 30114.

Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him, Jim’s legacy of faith, family, service, leadership, patriotism, and excellence will endure for generations. The impact of his life reaches far beyond the aviation industry, living on in the family he cherished, the countless professionals he mentored, and all who were privileged to know him. His family finds peace in knowing that his race was well run, his work was faithfully completed, and his extraordinary legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.

Arrangements by West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory, 2480 Macland Rd, Marietta, GA 30064, 770-419-9234, www.westcobbfuneralhome.com