William K. James

Major General William K. James (June 15, 1935 – January 13, 2022) of United States Air Force, was director of the Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) between June 1990 and June 1993. Under his leadership Major General James redirected the DMA – a heritage organization of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency – from producing products to meet the requirements of the Cold War to a concept of a Global Geospatial Information System (GGIS) directly accessible to combat commanders of the Rapid Deployment Forces. The GGIS was a major paradigm shift in warfare with the delivery of geographic information to fast-moving military forces.

James died in Haymarket, Virginia on January 13, 2022, at the age of 86.

Career Maj. Gen. William K. James earned a BS in geology from Southern Methodist University in 1958 and completed Squadron Officer School in 1964, Armed Forces Staff College in 1973, and Air War College in 1978. Commissioned into the U.S. Air Force through the Reserve Officers Training Corps program, Major General James received his pilot wings in July 1959. Defense Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal with eight oak leaf clusters Air Force Commendation Medal Presidential Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters Combat Readiness Medal National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal with four service stars Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with five oak leaf clusters Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal