James Bird Dahlin, 84 died Sunday May 25, 2014, in Lompoc, California.

James was born April 20, 1930, to parents Douglas and Grace Dahlin in Max, North Dakota. After graduating from Max High School he worked on the Garrison Dam Project. He enlisted in the United States Air Force January 1951. While in the Air Force, stationed at Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico he met and married Carol Joan (Jody) Elliott. After an honorable discharge January 1955, he joined the Roswell Police Department and later the New Mexico State Police. In 1961, he started a new career with Boeing. Jim earned a Bachelor's Degree in Law from LaSalle University and retired from Vandenberg Air Force Base after 40 years in the aerospace industry. Jim and his family enjoyed private aviation, raising Arabian horses, motorcycle riding and horse races.

Jim had a lifetime membership in the Elks Lodge and was a member in good standing of the American Legion and the Masonic Lodge.

Jim is survived by a brother Douglas in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, three sons and daughter in-law, Jim and Deb who live in Bozeman, Montana, Brent of Dallas Texas and Joe in Bennett, Colorado. He also leaves behind two grandsons, Willy Dahlin in Victorville, California and Cory Willburn in St Louis, Missouri along with five great grandchildren, MacKenzie, Branen, Jaiden, Emrie, Abrie Wilburn and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Jody and son William L.D.

The graveside funeral service was held on Friday, May 30, 2014, at 1 pm in the pavilion of the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.