James Thomas Summers

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our precious father, James T. Summers. Jim (James Thomas) never met a stranger and was admired and respected by everyone he came in contact with. As a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force Reserves, he and Mr. David Jackson founded an Aviation-Aerospace Education Program in the heart of Brownsville, Brooklyn. The 334th Junior Aviation Cadet Squadron was made up of young men of all races who were mentored by Colonel Summers to not only build a mini-jet and helicopter, they were also taught science, discipline and the belief that they could achieve anything with hard work and education. He continued to mentor some of his cadets, until January 9, 2025 when he transitioned.

In 1969, Jim and Aida Rodriguez met and later married and had four daughters and a son. He was a present and loving father. He continued his mentoring by taking his daughters classmates to JFK and LaGuardia Airports to experience getting on an airplane and learning the different careers available in aviation. He also took his children on hundreds of road trips and outings, including airplane watching.

He worked for TWA, then, American Airlines until he retired. He has been all over the world from the Great Pyramid of Egypt to Big Ben in the UK, all while in service as a Flight Service Manager. Jim was repeatedly commended by passengers, fellow employees and management for his exceptional service. He was chosen time and time again to participate in special events, such as the Pastoral Visit of Pope John Paul the II in 1987 and TWA’s 75th Anniversary Open House in June of 2000, where he was the Master of Ceremonies.

James had a love for reading and owned thousands of books. He also loved to travel and take photographs. James Thomas was a man who loved his family. He was blessed to have a very large extended family which included the Summers, Taylor. and Harris families. He was born and raised in Goldsboro, NC by his beloved parents, Alice and Richard Summers along with his brothers, Melvin and John and sister, Margaret. He then moved to New York and became a part of his biological fathers’ family-the Taylor family and later on reunited with his biological mothers’ family, the Harris family.

James is preceded in death by his loving parents; numerous aunts and uncles; beautiful sister, Margaret; little brothers, Melvin and Shaka; and beloved sister-cousin, Jean. He is survived by his ex-wife, Aida Rodriguez with whom he shared a special bond; dearly loved baby brother, John (Maria) Summers; daughters: Sasha Summers, Nikki Summers, Aida Summers, and Jennifer (Austin); son, Malik (Sacha) Rodriguez; his pride and joy-his grandchildren: Leilani, Madison (affectionately called Maddy), Justin, Natalia, and Nadia; bonus grandson, Jayden; beloved bonus son, Joe from the 334th Cadet Squadron; special friend, Jan Kissler; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews from his extended families.

There will be a private family memorial dinner to honor him. 

In lieu of any flowers of gifts-Please honor him by-MENTORING OUR YOUTH. Help them to believe in themselves and achieve their dreams.

Please visit James' tribute wall and share a memory with the family.