Taking control of the plane, Jim marveled at how natural it felt to be back in the air. “It felt like I was back where I belonged,” he said with a smile. The most challenging part, he admitted, was landing, but with the instructor’s guidance, Jim brought the plane down safely. “They took my driver’s license, but they couldn’t take my wings,” Jim said, reflecting on the experience. A Celebration to Remember After a successful flight, Jim’s day continued with a celebratory lunch at Harry Caray’s, where he enjoyed what he described as “the best steak I ever had.” The limousine ride, the flight, and the meal combined to make the day one of the most memorable of Jim’s life. “Everything was unexpected, but I thoroughly enjoyed every part,” he shared. Though his family couldn’t attend the flight in person, Jim’s son called to wish him well, and Jim proudly shared photos of the experience with his loved ones. The joy of getting his wings back was
Pictured from left to right: Jim Mathiasch, Janet Thurston (Life Enrichment Director), Joe Depaulo (JWA Flight School owner), and Tyler Arneson (flight instructor) “I felt excited, nervous, and apprehensive,” he said. The takeoff was nerve-wracking, but as the plane lifted into the air, Jim’s confidence returned. His co- pilot served as a comforting presence, giving him the security he needed to enjoy the experience fully. On September 19, Jim was treated to a day he would never forget. After being chauffeured to the airport in a limousine, Jim was greeted by the team at JWA Flight School. With an experienced instructor by his side as co-pilot, Jim took his place in the cockpit once again. “I never thought I’d fly again,” he admitted. But the opportunity to return to the skies proved irresistible. Jim’s enthusiasm was mixed with a bit of apprehension—after all, it had been decades since he last took control of an aircraft. Back in the Cockpit A Life of Service and Adventure Born and raised in Braidwood, Illinois, Jim’s early life was shaped by hard work and dedication. Before finding his way to the cockpit, Jim served as a police officer for two years and later worked as a welder at Caterpillar Tractor Company. His life took a significant turn in 1962 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama. There, under the guidance of his sergeant, Jim began his flying lessons as a civilian pilot. “I’ve always been interested in flying,” he recalls. Jim quickly developed a passion for aviation and logged his first solo flight after just eight hours of instruction. However, life’s responsibilities eventually pulled him away from the skies. He married, raised a family, and ran a business, putting his flying dreams on hold. The Dream That Never Faded Though Jim’s aviation days were behind him, the memories of his time in the air never left. After moving to Cedarhurst of Naperville two years ago, Jim continued to dream of flying again. When he learned about the Dream Come TRUE program, designed to help residents fulfill their lifelong wishes, Jim eagerly jumped at the chance.
evident in every aspect of his day. An Inspiration to Others
For Jim, getting back into the cockpit wasn’t just about flying, it was about proving to himself that he could still achieve something he thought was out of reach. “I’m glad I didn’t give up on something I wanted to do,” he said, reflecting on the experience. His story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Jim hopes that his journey will inspire others, regardless of age, to pursue their passions. “If you’ve got something you’ve always wanted to do, go for it,” he advised. As Jim looks back on his life, he does so with gratitude for the support he’s received at Cedarhurst, where staff members helped make his dream come true. “It was such a great feeling,” he said. “I smiled ear to ear.” With his spirit soaring higher than ever, Jim Mathiach’s story is one of adventure, hope, and the timeless thrill of flight. DREAM COME TRUE CONTINUED ON PAGE 10...
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