Conversation with a soldier
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Lt. Col. Dick James, U.S. Army (Ret.). (photo courtesy Bob Magnus)
By General Robert Magnus
USMC (Ret.)
Georgia’s coast is called home by many successful professionals including athletes, judges, physicians, business people, pilots, teachers, lawyers, artists, engineers, government officials, and veterans.
My friend, Lt. Col. Dick James, U.S. Army (ret.), is one of them.
This article is about my conversation with Dick who is a man of great accomplishments who combines brilliance with humility and dedicated public service.
Dick is a physically impressive fellow in his mid-80s. As a teenager he must have been a coach’s dream for basketball, football, and baseball teams. As an adult he became an avid tennis player and active golfer.
It is Dick’s personality that is most striking. He radiates a quiet self-confidence, intellect with a bear trap memory, deep love for his family and friends, and a caring for those less fortunate.
Dick is …not was… an Army Ranger.
As a Marine I understand the lifelong bonding that occurs among members of a great team whose duties require shared hardship and danger. So when we first met we quickly understood each other.
Our discussion led me to ask him what were the most important things he had learned in his life as a citizen, soldier, business executive, and public servant. Dick’s answer was immediate and concise. “Number one, the Lord has looked after me. Number two, life is not about me.”
Born in 1941 Dick was a ‘service brat,’ moving frequently in the U.S. and overseas. He was raised by a loving, sensitive mother and a hard working father who was an officer in the Army Adjutant General Corps.
His dad retired as a colonel after 38 years having served in Europe, the U.S., and Asia including Gen. MacArthur’s staff and as an Adjutant General for 5th and 3rd armies. He was a meticulous planner for Dick’s future.
Dick was a precocious child; a very quick learner. He graduated high school at age 16 and went to North Georgia College in Dahlonega. In 1958 he enlisted as a private in the Army and went to Ft. Jackson for training.
His high potential was recognized and the army sent him to officer candidate school at Ft. Benning. He married Dee, the love of his life and wife of 62 years and counting. Dick said that Dee has been his partner, guide, and minister. His helpmate.
Dick was good at everything he ever did. He became a beloved combat leader, fine tennis player, golfer, engineer, industry executive, counselor, and an accomplished author.
Along the busy highways of his life he wasted no time or effort. After receiving his engineering degree from West Point, Dick earned three graduate degrees: Master of Engineering from Clemson University; Master’s in Systems Management from the Univ. of Southern California; Master’s in Behavioral Science and Counseling from Catholic University of America.
Dick became an executive with the Boeing Company after retiring from the Army in 1985. He was involved with major commercial and highly classified military programs.
Since his civilian retirement he has volunteered for many years as a trained Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for numerous child dependency, child development, and juvenile court cases. Dick stays in touch with many of those he helped.
In 2023 he was inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame at Ft. Benning’s National Infantry Museum. Last year he was inducted into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame.
In 2025 Dick authored Danger Six – A Life of Service. After writing short stories about his Rangers during the Vietnam War, he shared them with some fellow soldiers. They insisted he write more and he did.
This is not a book review. It is just my desire to spark you to read his stories.
Dick’s book is about the people he knew, especially the amazing young soldiers who served with him in the most demanding combat conditions and repeatedly doing their utmost to help their fellow soldiers accomplish their missions.
Many came home with multiple wounds. Some gave their “last full measure of devotion,” living only in the memories of their family and comrades. Dick’s book is about the continuing love for his Rangers and his dedication to serve.
Since 1775 over 1.3 million military personnel have died in defense of our nation and 1.4 million others have been wounded.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13).
I encourage you to read Danger Six during this 250th year of our independence.
