A Gander Meeting

By late 1945, Pan American World Airways had regularly scheduled flights across the Atlantic by way of Gander Airport, Newfoundland.
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One of those working the flights was James J. Rice. His career with Pan American World Airways will last decades, and will find him all over the world.

But perhaps a bit of his heart always remained in that somewhat remote, northern airport. Please meet his wife, Kaye, pictured in the snow boots, in front of her BOAC employee housing, at Gander Airport where they met.

Gander Airport, Newfoundland, was an important airport from its beginning in the late 1930s, right through the WWII years, and served Pan American World Airways for decades, including into the Jet Age. Here are very early photos (mid 1940's) showing the Pan Am ticket counter, and the staff housing! We thank the James J. Rice Family for sending these along. He is pictured in the middle, in front of the "Betsy" house. Mr. James J, Rice, started as a Pan Am Steward, his career spanning decades and worldwide assignments.

Pan American World Airways Vice President of Military Sales Mr James J Rice began his career as a steward based in Gander, Newfoundland, where he met his wife, a BOAC employee. Soon they became a Pan Am Family. Here they are boarding a flight in 1959.

More than just the aircraft & aviation history, Pan Am was part of the popular culture, and a shared adventure that all its people brought to and had with the company. And we were about family. Here’s Pan American World Airways Mr James J. Rice and his family boarding a flight in 1961.