Mr. James Edward Pyle graduated from ARC in 1950. He excelled academically and in sports during his years at ARC. He was the President of his senior class and the salutatorian. He was selected to be in the Gold “R” society for outstanding scholarship and performance. He also received ROTC merit bars for excellence in the classroom and on the drill field. He played football, baseball, and track. In 1950, at the UGA Track and Field competition, he set a new GAA record for the Javelin throw.

Jimmy was awarded a track scholarship to UGA, where he lettered in track for four years. Upon graduation from the University of Georgia with a BS in Geology, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Jimmy served active duty in the US Army from November 8, 1954, until March 31, 1957, at which time he sought a discharge and followed his calling as a career Geologist.

After four years of civilian life, Jimmy reentered the US Army. He was a graduate of the Basic Infantry Officers Course, the US Army Ranger School and the Airborne Course at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Military tours included Ft. Jackson, SC.; Ft. Gordon, GA; Ft. Sill, OK; US Army, Hawaii, at Schofield Barracks; Ft. Bragg, North Carolina with the 82nd Airborne Division and completed two tours in Vietnam (1962-63 and 1968-69). He was awarded two Bronze Stars, an Airborne Badge, a Ranger Tab, in addition to forty-four Meritorious and service medals.

LTC Pyle, served in the US Army for thirty-two years until his retirement on September 1, 1986.