James Forest Broadhead, 84, Retired Senior Master Sergeant for the United States Air Force/Kansas Air National Guard, Passed Away on October 22, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas. James (Jim, Frosty, Fordman, K0ICU) Broadhead, was a dedicated member of the U.S. Air Force and Kansas Air National Guard, Jim served his country with pride for 35 years, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and community.

Jim was born on December 2, 1940, at Wesley Hospital in Wichita, to Clarence and Lou Ella Broadhead. He grew up in Wichita and graduated from North High School in 1958. He married Brenda (Tuttle) Broadhead, his wife of 54 years, and together they raised four children: Kenneth (Julie) Broadhead of Ankeny, IA; Brigitte (Eric) Baggs of Conway Springs, KS; Eric (Leslie) Broadhead of Oklahoma City, OK; and Teresa (Miles) McClure of Colorado Springs, CO. He is also survived by seven beloved grandchildren: Lindsey, Landon, Lydia, Lauren (Seth), Kendall, Ella, and Conner and three nieces: Constance, Erin, and Jana. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Command Sergeant Major Don Broadhead, and nephews Donald and Ronald.

Jim's military career began in July 1959, when he enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard. After completing basic training and several specialized schools, Jim enlisted in the Kansas Air National Guard in September 1965, becoming a full-time technician in February 1966. He was assigned to the Communications/Navigation Shop and served when the 184th Tactical Fighter Group (TFG) was called to active duty at Kunsan Air Base, Korea, from January 1968 to July 1969. Upon returning to the 184th TFG, Jim was selected as the Airborne Navigation Shop Chief in 1971. He went on to assume the duties of Doppler Radar and Inertial Navigation Shop Chief in 1979 and served as acting Weapons Branch Chief from August 1985 to April 1986. Jim continued his service as Chief of Quality Assurance until 1987, when he became Assistant Avionics Branch Chief. He served in this position until his retirement in September 1994, completing 35 years of military service, which he loved and often said he looked forward to every day.

During his military career, Jim actively competed with the rifle and pistol teams. After a thirty-year pursuit, he earned his place in an elite group of Air Force pistol shooters by receiving a Gold Badge, number 304, awarded for Excellence in Competition. This prestigious badge has been presented since 1947 to Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Reserve personnel who achieve excellence in marksmanship. Jim's military decorations reflect his exceptional service and dedication to his country. His awards include: the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with one Device, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two Hour Glass Devices, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Award with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, the USAF NCO PME Graduation Ribbon, the Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon, the Kansas Meritorious Service Ribbon, the Kansas Recruiting Ribbon with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Kansas National Guard Service Ribbon with three Sunflower Devices, the Master Aircraft Maintenance Badge, and the Gold USAF Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge.

After his retirement from the Air National Guard, Jim continued his career, working for B&B Electric Company, Lear Jet (Bombardier) as a final inspector, and for Boeing Aircraft Military Company as a technical writer. Beyond his military and professional accomplishments, Jim was a passionate amateur radio operator. He held a General Class Amateur Radio License (K0ICU) since 1957 and was an active tornado spotter with Sedgwick County R.A.C.E.S. for over 50 years. In recognition of his service, he was honored by the Sedgwick County Commission in April 2023 for his fifty years of dedicated service.

Jim was also an avid collector and restorer of Model A Fords, often helping others with their restorations. He was an active member of the Wichita A's Car Club, where he and his family enjoyed traveling to car meets across Kansas and beyond. He was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge #99, Kansas State Rifle Association, Air Capital Gun Club, Central Kansas Gun Club, NRA, Derby VFW, Museum of the Kansas National Guard, Military Collectors Club, Air Capital TEC-NI-CHAT Amateur Radio Club, Wichita A's, and
two national Model A Clubs.

Jim lived a full and vibrant life, always with a project in progress. His curiosity knew no bounds, with a wealth of knowledge spanning from classic cars and radios to history and beyond. He had endless stories to share, each reflecting his passion for learning and connecting with others. Jim's enthusiasm and ability to inspire will always be remembered.

A memorial service to honor Jim's life will be held at the Veterans Cemetery in Winfield, Kansas on November 10, 2025 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, Operation Homefront, or the Kansas National Guard Museum in Jim's memory.