About Jim

Jim Stella: B-25 History Project Co-Founder and C.O.O., Technical Contributor: Jim has been fascinated with aviation since childhood. His love for airplanes started when he was a child building models of his favorite airplanes. Some of the most detailed and accurate models I have seen have been made by him. While visiting a hangar at a local airport, Jim asked how he could become involved in aviation. He was told "Just show up". Obviously, he did.

He joined the KC Warbirds in 1985 right out of high school. At 18, he was the youngest member of the B-25J "Fairfax Ghost" crew. Soon, he became an FAA licensed Airframe and Power Plant mechanic. From 1989 through 2001, he worked for TWA. He has also spent time as a maintenance instructor for both TWA and the Aviation Institute of Maintenance. He is currently a member of the CAF.

I met Jim back in 1996 when he proposed and restored a B-25 vertical tail and rudder assembly now on permanent display at the Wyandotte County Museum. After restoration, this assembly was signed by over 100 former "Bomber Builders". Jim is a local aviation historian with a special interest in the B-25 and The North American Aviation Kansas City, Kansas plant. He was a contributor to both of George Bauer's books. I have the upmost respect for Jim's knowledge and dedication to the B-25. I am honored to work on this project with him.