James Everett Roe, 91, of Haines City, FL passed away January 29, 2026 at his daughter’s home in Francis, UT. He was born July 22, 1934 in Inglewood, CA to the late Carl Henry Roe and Helen Maurine Giers Roe.

James graduated from Canoga Park High School then attended UCLA, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in finance and insurance from UCLA where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. In September 1956 he entered the United States Navy, completing flight training and earning his Wings of Gold May 14, 1958. He met his wife, Karen Louise MacLaggan, while stationed in Jacksonville, FL. They married in 1960.

James was then assigned to the Tomcats of VF-31 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga where he flew the F3H Demon during two Mediterranean cruises. He loved to tell of his 242 arrested carrier landings aboard the Saratoga, of which 86 were at night.

When he was assigned to Naval Air Station Point Mugu, CA with Guided Missile squadron GM-7, James and Karen moved to Oxnard, California where they welcomed their first two daughters. He was particularly proud that at one point in time he had launched a total of 49 Sparrow missiles, more than any other pilot in the Navy except for one more senior officer.

The family moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1964 where he took a position with Trans World Airlines as a Flight Engineer on the legendary Lockheed Constellation. Very quickly he became an instructor for this crew position. An extremely capable aviator, Jim proceeded from Flight Engineer to co-pilot on the Douglas DC-9, then Captain in exactly five years.

While at TWA Jim joined the Navy Air Reserves and continued flying, this time with the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, finally retiring from the USN Reserves as a Lt. Commander. During his time in Kansas City Jim also earned a Master of Arts in Business Administration from Webster University and welcomed his third daughter.

In his thirty years with TWA Jim flew as aircraft Captain on almost every commercial jet aircraft type that TWA owned, including the Boeing 707, Boeing 727, MD-80, and L-1011. During his career Jim was promoted to the director of training for all pilot training for TWA and helped develop the training program for TWA’s new L-1011s. He concluded his career flying international routes on the L-1011, retiring in 1994 after 30 years.

James loved the water becoming a certified SCUBA diver, scheduling many family vacations at tropical locations or boating on the Lake of the Ozarks, finally purchasing a vacation cabin there with all the ‘toys’.

Family was especially important to him, and he eagerly awaited the annual family beach vacations and other chances to visit family.

In retirement, James and Karen settled in Haines City, FL and continued to travel extensively throughout the world.  James was a proud member of the Silver Osprey Squadron #64 of the Association of Naval Aviation (ANA) and was active with the TWA Retired Pilots Association where he served as Treasurer and Second Vice President / Secretary. He was also involved with the Band of Brothers men’s group at First Presbyterian Church Haines City.

James is survived by his three daughters, Susan Cervenka of San Marcos, California, Sandra Edds of Owensboro, Kentucky and Kristin Price (Wesley) of Francis, Utah and six grandchildren, Christine Cervenka, Tyler Cervenka, Davey Edds, Benji Edds, Chesney Price and Camryn Price. He is also survived by his only brother, Thomas Roe (Glynene) of West Hills, California, sister-in-law, Roberta Hand of Auburn, Alabama, nieces and nephew.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Louise MacLaggan Roe and son-in-law David Edds, Jr.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on February 16 and his Celebration of Life will commence at 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City, with interment to follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial gifts be made to his favorite charitable organization, the Association of Naval Aviation, at www.anahq.org, or First Presbyterian Church, Haines City, Fl.