Jim Mcdivitt - Blog Posts

Remembering NASA astronaut Jim McDivitt (June 10, 1929 – October 13, 2022), who has died at the age of 93.

Jimbo was a USAF combat and test pilot before being selected as a NASA astronaut in 1962. He flew Gemini IV in 1965 with his best friend Ed White, becoming the first American astronaut to command his first spaceflight. In 1969, he was the commander of Apollo 9, the third manned mission of the Apollo program. Jim also served as the Apollo Spacecraft Program Manager until his retirement from NASA in 1972.

In addition to being a brilliant engineer and pilot, Jim was a husband, father, and friend. He brought his wit, kindness, and sense of humor to the astronaut corps and paved the way for future explorers. May his memory be a blessing. Ad astra, Jimbo 💙

Introducing the New Nine, LIFE Magazine, September 28, 1962.

My favorite things about this photo, in no particular order:

Ed White’s expression

Jim and Frank. Just in general. But also that weird bald patch on Frank’s head.

HOLY SHIT LOOK AT PETE. PETE, I LOVE YOUR FACE.

The little blurbs about them on the side are totally distressing: why are they giving out these poor fellas’ heights and weights?

On that same note, why is John so goddamn heavy? He’s the wiriest of the lot of them! My money is on that ridiculously broad upper body. And by “my money is on his upper body,” I mean “I wish my hands were on his upper body.”

I totally did not just say that.

Why was this photo taken from up in a tree? I think Ralph Morse had some serious problems with being on the ground. He’s always photographing things from really curious angles.

I'm crying.

It's too sad and ... We miss all of you, guys!

I miss you, Neil...

I can’t believe it’s been fifty-five years since the greatest group of guys in the whole world were presented as the next American astronauts