Janis Dian Mincy Ficklin

The call of adventure led me first to Continental Airlines in '68 to '71 based in LAX and DFW, flying domestically, as well as 2 PAC/MAC (Pacific Airlift Command/Military Airlift Command) assignments bringing our troops back from Viet Nam. Forced to resign in '71, since flight attendants were restricted from having children, and my family was started. That law was changed in 1972, as Women's Lib was in full force. Became legal assistant along the way for law firms in Dallas and Miami, but left again for blue skys with Braniff International until 1982 when they bankrupted the first time. Returned to Braniff II in '84 and stayed to bitter end in '89, then on to American Airlines. It was a wonderful job and time and my family and I traveled the world. Retired from AA 2009, as changes in world and life bring me to the next chapter, missing my home and "roots" in Texas. Still love traveling, especially to grandbabies, Mom and family in Ft. Worth. Another part life now is as volunteer for American Red Cross, at this time for Hurricane Preparedness, The Kiwi Club (Suncoast Chapter) which is a social and charitable org. for former and current AA Flight Attendants, and Boley Angels - Boley Centers.

Favorite memories include all the boys and girls from my neighborhood, elementary school onward through HHS. In those days our teachers even lived on the same street. All the intelligence, talent, kindness and love our classmates and the parents had. Dancing, singing (Blue Angels w/Norma B, Linda B, and Elaine M) - even competed at Casa Manana Stairways to the Stars (and Paul and Paula won!) That was a bad break! Cheerleading - football games, the Band, beautiful mums with glittered ribbon streamers(too many stories to tell), choir - Mrs. Russel's class for many years, the slumber parties, "Crazy Eights", and aren't we blessed to have grown up in that magical time!!!

A very special memory: As a flight attendant for BI, flying "all nighter" from Anchorage, AK to DFW, while checking the cabin, totally packed full,in the darkness of the middle of night, a tired, bearded face looked up at me from an aisle seat on the righthand side of the aircraft. He asked, "Janis, Janis Mincy..... is that you???" I did not recognize him, but eventually did. It was Kelly Randolph. He said he was returning from work on the Alaska Pipeline. I couldn't believe my eyes, and will never forget that chance meeting in the middle of night, in the middle of heaven.................what a sweet, dear friend and man.