Air Care Alliance (ACA) President Jim Hesseman Dies after Decades of Service | Aviation International News

Air Care Alliance President Jim Hesseman Dies at 73

“He approached every mission with humility, compassion, and care”

Jim Hesseman, president of Air Care Alliance — Jim Hesseman, president of Air Care Alliance.

By Jessica Reed • Writer & Editor

July 7, 2025

Jim Hesseman, president of Air Care Alliance (ACA) and an advocate for volunteer aviation, died June 24 following an illness, ending a career spanning more than two decades of public-benefit flying. Hesseman led ACA, which represents a network of volunteer pilot groups across the U.S., and personally flew missions for multiple organizations including Angel Flight West, PALS SkyHope, Pilots N Paws, Flights for Life, and White Feather Flights.

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) recognized Hesseman’s contributions with its 2023 award for outstanding achievement in the advancement of public benefit flying, describing him as “a volunteer pilot with generosity and compassion that exceeds all expectations.” Upon receiving the NAA award, Hesseman articulated his philosophy: “Do as much as you can, for as long as you can, for as many as you can.” The organization characterized these words as “a testament to the way Jim lived.”

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