OUTSTANDING ATHLETE

Induction Year: 2000 | Graduation Year: 1982

Graduating from Tecumseh High School with the graduating class of 1982,Jim Fogle was actively involved in the Tecumseh Athletic Program, playing varsity football and basketball for 3 years, plus participating in Intramural Sports. Jim excelled in these sports and has proven that the lessons he learned from these sports in pursuit of his dreams (determination, sweat, and teamwork) have allowed him to achieve things in his life he never imagined possible.

Jim also excelled scholastically, a member of the Tecumseh Honor Society for three years. His scholastic achievements were awarded with a 4-year academic and athletic excellence scholarship to the United States Air Force Academy where his class rank was #7. As an additional honor, Jim was listed in Who's Who of American High School Students.

Jim continued this pattern of excellence at the United States Air Force Academy, receiving a Bachelors of Science (Political Science) Degree in 1986. He graduated with top honors and was one of six Cadet Colonels (the highest rank obtainable). His leadership abilities surfaced as the Commander of the Outstanding Military Squadron (40 Squadrons); Commander of the Outstanding Group (4 groups); and Commander of Runner-Up Honor Squadron. Jim was also actively involved in collegiate athletics, playing varsity basketball and team handball.

Jim went on to receive a Masters in Aviation Science, graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1999 and he currently holds the rank of "Major," and is a F-16 Instructor Pilot for the United States Air Force. Jim graduated at the top of his Undergraduate Pilot Training Class, and was ranked #1 out of 273 Captains at Olan Air Base in Korea. He was promoted early in his Air Force career to Major and he is a combat veteran of Desert Storm, Operations Northern and Southern Watch. To add to his already impressive career, Jim is a graduate of the Prestigious Air Force Fighter Weapons Instructor Course.

Major Jim Fogle has received numerous awards and professional honors, such as the Air Force Association Recipient of the 1997 Lt. General Claire Chennault Award, recognizing him as the Outstanding Aviation Tactician in the United States Air Force; 23rd Fighter Squadron Fighter Pilot of the year 1996, Spangdahlem AB,Germany; 51st Operations Group Company Grade Officer of the year 1995, Osan AB, Korea; numerous Wing and Squadron Top Gun Awards, Outstanding Wingman, Flight Lead, and Instructor Awards; 2 Meritorious Service Medals, 9 Aerial Achievement Medals, and 1 Air Medal.

Jim has written various articles that were published in such prestigious Air Force magazines as the Air Force Academy and the USAF Fighter Weapons Review.

Jim is the son of James William Fogle (deceased) and Margaret Elizabeth Fogle (deceased) and grew up in the Medway-Crystal Lake area. He currently resides in Parker, Colorado with his wife, Melissa (Magini) Fogle, andtwo sons, Grant James Fogle (age 7) and Blake Daniel Fogle (age 4). He continues his athletic support in his community as little league baseball coach.

Jim is quoted as saying "A year ago, I wandered back through Ohio and visited Tecumseh High School. As I walked through the hallway near the gymnasium, I stumbled upon the Hall of Fame display. It was an impressive sight, which I thought to be a tremendous tribute to those who gave so much to the school. I was not surprised to see the names of Wayne Embry, and Dave Zeller. Their accomplishments inspired me to try harder and to dream bigger. I used to think that if these guys, who walked these same hallways, can make it to the top, then why cant I?" Jim did make it to the top and we're honored to induct him into the Tecumseh Hall of Fame.