Captain Jim Black

[Kraken de Mabini]

CAPTAIN JAMES BLACK, in loving memory.

Suddenly on May 18, 2024, Captain James Black departed from his earthly home of 27 years in South Fayette, PA, leaving behind an ocean full of memories and a legacy of adventure that will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him.

Born on November 5, 1949, in Bellshill, County of Lanark, Scotland, Jim was the cherished only child of the late Helen (Ella) McGuire and James B. Black. From his earliest days, Jim's destiny seemed intertwined with the skies above, evidenced by his childhood dreams of becoming a pilot. Jim is survived by his chosen partner of more than 35 years, Amy "Louise" Foster, whom he first met in 1978 while both serving at the 911th Airlift Wing (AFRC) Coraopolis, PA. Together, they embarked on a journey across the globe, collecting memories and stamps on their passports, in some of the breathtaking corners of the earth, with Sipadan holding a special place in their hearts.

In addition to Louise, Jim leaves behind two boisterous Amazon Parrots, aged 50 and 40, as well as the memories of their four departed cats, who lived a pampered life under his care. A man of his word throughout all of life's ebbs and flows, Jim was a pillar of strength and constancy in the lives of those he loved.

A graduate of Duquesne University with a master's degree in journalism, and a distinguished alumnus of the Air Force ROTC, Jim served as an active-duty Pilot from 1971 to 1975 then continuing his service with the Air Force Reserves, attaining the rank of Captain. Known affectionately as "Captain Black", he later transitioned to a career with American Airlines, retiring after a professional lifetime of dedication to aviation.

Beyond the clouds, Jim found solace and joy beneath the waves, while attaining multiple PADI certifications, including Instructor.
Before long he uncovered his passion for underwater photography. That fascination with the ocean's mysteries was matched only by his extraordinary underwater talent behind the lens, from that point on he was spellbound by the unique beauty of Nudibranchs, Tambja blacki is named in his honor. Thousands of hours logged photographing another favorite subject, sharks, drove him to embark on many thrilling adventures in their pursuit. His legacy lives on through his published works and the countless friendships forged in the diving community worldwide.  During long boat trips, Captain Jim put his PADI knowledge to good use by teaching SCUBA and underwater photography, and certifying a number of his friends. 

From shooting hoops with the Shannon Bums to serenading crowds with his amazing voice as part of the karaoke traveling crew, Jim's zest for life and camaraderie was evident. He shared so many memorable moments at Karaoke with his close friends, Ray G. and Dr. Dave, along with their crew of regulars. Let's not forget the "Blues Brothers" performances with Mike W.  When travelling in foreign cities such as Bangkok, after dinner he would go on stage to sing and impersonate one of the Blues Brothers. 

To those who had the privilege of knowing him, Jim's life was a testament to the power of love, friendship and adventure. Though he may have departed from this world, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were touched by his kindness, humor and unwavering spirit of adventure.

Jim, your journey may have taken you beyond the horizon, but your legacy will forever guide us as we navigate life's ever changing currents. Evidence of a life well lived is found in all those who love you.

"Louise"

Edited July 15 by Kraken de Mabini

[Eric Hanauer]

I met Jim Black at an airport counter. He was traveling to Malaysia with three other airline pilots. We recognized each others dive gear and started a conversation while waiting for our flight. I was in first class on a magazine assignment; the pilots were in another cabin. After a few hours, Jim and his buddies appeared and asked me to follow them into the cockpit  of the 747. Obviously this was before 9/11. We spent a few hours there conversing with the Malaysia crew.

 

This was also before they closed Sipadan to dive resorts, so we had a great week of diving and fellowship at Borneo Divers. Jim was the leader of the pilots group, friendly, gregarious, and everything Kraken stated so well.

 

Afterward, we would occasionally see each other at DEMA and reminisce. I'm sorry to hear of his passing, but glad to have been able to share this experience with him.

[Kraken de Mabini]

Mike Miller, editor of the Slug Site, San Diego, writes:

Remembrances of Captain Jim Black: Fighter pilot, airline pilot, world diver, uw photographer and teacher,  champion of nudibranchs.

It is with heavy heart that I am dedicating this BOW to my long time dive buddy Capt. Jim Black who passed away from a massive heart attack on May 18th at his home in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania! Jim had been a prolific contributer to the Slug Site, having been the featured in a number of Branch of the Week (BOW) presentations thru the years! As an example of Jim's dedication to u/w photography, I can remember a day at Flinder's Jetty, South Australia in 2014 where after two dives I gave up and came up for a break. At this point in time we had all the "weedy" sea dragon shots we wanted but were sorely lacking in sea slug images! Well, Jim rested for about 30 minutes and went back in and lo and behold!, found a spectacular specimen of Ceratosoma brevicaudatum ! Persistence certainly has it's virtues and Jim's third dive was no exception! Jim was definitely a man of action, a feeling which I sure everyone who knew him would agree! On a trip to Ambon, I was tasked to remove recently implaced stiches on the top of his head! I asked Jim what the heck happened in Bangkok (his stop before Ambon in 2014)! His reply-he took on four intoxicated Brits who had just sprayed a Thai bride with water pistols in her wedding dress! Jim was hit on the head with a full glass bottle during the meelee but arrived in Ambon smiling! Yup, that's the Jim I knew! On another occasion, Jim recounted how he used to escort B-52's on bombing runs to Hanoi during the Vietnam war out of a base in Thailand! On one such sortie, Jim became aware of a "boogie" flying below the bomber formation! Jim requested permission from the flight leader to engage the enemy jet but was denied as the flight commander reminded Jim that their primary task was to protect the bombers in formation and as the enemy fighter posed no threat at the present time, to disengage! Yup, that's the Jim I knew! Jim's contibutions to the study of sea slugs eventually and appropiately resulted in one being named for him in 2006- Tambja blacki - shown here! I can't think of a more fitting recognition for Jim's citizen scientist support of sea slug research as having a nudibranch he discovered to be named after him!

Jim's photography has been featured in a number of books and publications including Helmut Debelius' Nudibranchs and Sea Snails - Gosliner, Behrens and Williams Coral Reef Animals of the Indo-Pacific. A photo of Jim petting a shark in "Sleeping Shark Caves" off Isla Mujeres Island, Mexico, taken by Amy Foster his significant other, recently appeared in Dave Behrens' Diving Guide to Cozumel, Cancun & The Riviera Maja.

Michael Miller
San Diego, CA
Aug., 2024
Send email to Mike at mailto:mdmiller1@cox.net

 

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Capt.Jim Black when flying with US Air 

 

 

Readers: This is the published Obituary for Jim courtesy of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and Amy Foster. CAPTAIN JAMES BLACK In loving memory  Nov. 5th, 1949-May 18th, 2024 Suddenly on May 18, 2024, Captain James Black departed from his earthly home of 27 years in South Fayette, PA, leaving behind an ocean full of memories and a legacy of adventure that will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him. Born on November 5, 1949, in Bellshill, County of Lanark, Scotland, Jim was the cherished only child of the late Helen (Ella) McGuire and James B. Black. From his earliest days, Jim's destiny seemed intertwined with the skies above, evidenced by his childhood dreams of becoming a pilot. Jim is survived by his chosen partner of more than 35 years, Amy "Louise" Foster, whom he first met in 1978 while both serving at the 911th Airlift Wing (AFRC) Coraopolis, PA. Together, they embarked on a journey across the globe, collecting memories and stamps on their passports, in some of the breathtaking corners of the earth, with Sipadan holding a special place in their hearts. In addition to Louise, Jim leaves behind two boisterous Amazon Parrots, aged 50 and 40, as well as the memories of their four departed cats, who lived a pampered life under his care. A man of his word throughout all of life's ebbs and flows, Jim was a pillar of strength and constancy in the lives of those he loved. A graduate of Duquesne University with a master's degree in journalism and a distinguished alumnus of Air Force ROTC, Jim served as an active-duty Pilot from 1971 to 1975 then continuing his service with the Air Force Reserves, attaining the rank of Captain. Known affectionately as "Captain Black", he later transitioned to a career with American Airlines, retiring after a lifetime of dedication to aviation.

Beyond the clouds, Jim found solace and joy beneath the waves, while attaining multiple PADI certifications.

Before long he uncovered his passion for underwater photography. That fascination with the ocean's mysteries was matched only by his extraordinary talent behind the lens, from that point on he was spellbound by the unique beauty of Nudibranchs, Tambja blacki is named in his honor. Thousands of hours logged photographing another favorite subject, sharks, driving him to embark on many thrilling adventures in their pursuit. His legacy lives on through his published works and the countless friendships forged in the diving community worldwide.

Yet amidst his global adventures, Jim remained deeply connected to his roots, cherishing the bonds of brotherhood forged with his Castle Shannon friends, Tony A., Jim S., Mike W., Jerry T., Vince P., Bones A., Don R., John T., Joe K., Gary A., Ronnie M.

From shooting hoops with the Shannon Bums to serenading crowds with his amazing voice as part of the karaoke traveling crew, Jim's zest for life and camaraderie was evident. He shared so many memorable moments at Karaoke with his close friends, Ray G. and Dr. Dave, along with their crew of regulars. Let's not forget the "Blues Brothers" performances with Mike W.

To those who had the privilege of knowing him, Jim's life was a testament to the power of love, friendship and adventure. Though he may have departed from this world, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were touched by his kindness, humor and unwavering spirit.

Jim, your journey may have taken you beyond the horizon, but your legacy will forever guide us as we navigate life's ever - changing currents. Evidence of a life well lived is found in those who love you. "Louise"

To plant a tree in memory of CAPTAIN JAMES BLACK, please visit Tribute Store.

Published on June 9, 2024

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Remembrances of Capt. Jim Black by Eli Amador

Jim was no stranger to death, having been a war time pilot, and also having suffered a cardiac arrest some ten years ago, from which he was revived by some nurses who happened to be there at that moment. He was very aware that he could depart suddenly, and talked freely about the arrest and his pacemaker.

In retrospect, one might say he chose a painless and sudden way to depart this mortal coil, one free of the prolonged and unpleasant life prolonging ways inflicted on so many.

He and I were friends and dive buddies for many years. On dive trips to the Sea of Cortez on the Don Jose, I first heard from Pablo Cielak of Mexico City about a really dedicated diver who had dived all over the world, named Jim Black. After some correspondence, Jim and I first met on the Undersea Hunter to dive Coco Island, after which I joined his dive group to dive Gansbaai out of Cape Town Africa, Anilao waters out of Boy Venus' Club Ocelaris, and several other dive spots around the globe, including South America. Everywhere we dived, Jim had already been there, and was welcomed with a big smile.

During our boat trips, Jim taught us advanced Scuba, as he was a PADI Instructor, and my certification went from Beginner to Advanced thanks to him. Jim was an avid underwater photographer, and he also introduced a number of his fellow divers to undewater photography. He would get so involved in teaching that a few times his attention lapsed, and his undewater camera got flooded!

All who came in contact with Jim benefited from his spirit of adventure, his love of teaching, his generosity and his love of life! Thank you, Captain Jim, for having opened the eyes of so many of us to the beauties of ocean life. its fish and of nudibranchs!

Elias Amador, M.D.
 68.elias@gmail.com

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Remembrances of Capt. Jim Black by Mark Strickland

Jim Black is probably best known to followers of the Slugsite for his exceptional photography and tireless enthusiasm for all things nudibranch-related. But he was also highly accomplished in many other aspects of life, including serving in Vietnam as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and many more years as a commercial airline pilot. He was also a talented writer, engaging storyteller, blues afficionado and experienced diver who was at home in a wide range of underwater environments. But underwater photography was his driving passion. Jim was a true slug lover - there was nothing he enjoyed photographing more than nudibranchs. He discovered a number of new species, including his namesake, Tambja blacki, contributed images and words to many publications, and enjoyed exchanging information with marine scientists from all corners of the globe.

But as enamored as Jim was with nudibranchs, he loved big animals too - our last trip together was to photograph great hammerheads in Bimini. Jim was diving with sharks years before most divers even thought that was a good idea, having done at least a dozen trips to Cocos Island on a Swedish sailboat long before the rest of the diving world had even heard about the place. Years later, he had some truly epic moments with a great white shark in South Africa, as the massive animal thrashed the flimsy cage he was in, trying to shake its head free from the only escape hatch, completely blocking Jim's exit. Fortunately, both Jim and the shark got through the incident with no significant damage.

In addition to Jim's infectiously positive outlook and fantastic, irreverent sense of humor, another of his most endearing traits was the child-like enthusiasm he displayed whenever there was a new adventure at hand, especially exploratory dive trips. I remember one day in particular, exploring a possibly never-before dived mangrove lagoon in Indonesia's Mentawai Islands, when Jim reminded me of a kid in a candy store, gleefully scouring the mucky slopes for unusual or photogenic critters. Throughout his life, Jim racked up a string of impressive accomplishments both above and below the waterline, but beyond that, was a man of great compassion, generosity and integrity. Like so many people whose lives he's touched, I'm sure going to miss him.

Mark Strickland
Los Angeles, Calif
Send Mark email at mailto:friendlyfish01@gmail.com

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   Remembrances of Capt. Jim Black by Peri Palercacio, Club Ocellaris, Anilao, Philippines

I started diving with Jim some 25 years ago. Back then, Club Ocellaris was just a four-room bamboo house. While most photographers had their Pelican cases, Jim carried a Coleman cooler covered with stickers from his travels. Jim was the first photographer to let me hold and shoot with his underwater camera, giving me a sense of how challenging it was to capture subjects. He taught me how to properly light and pose the subject, focusing on getting the eyes sharp and achieving a black background-all in just one or two shots per subject. Back then, we only had 36 shots per roll of film. Our dive plans revolved around those 36 shots: "How long is the dive? 36 shots. How deep are we going? 36 shots." Every shot counted, and even the heavy Nikonos RS camera was handled with care by the Captain.

My memories of Jim extend beyond diving. He was equally enjoyable at the dinner table, full of stories and jokes. After a couple of San Miguel beers, he would sometimes grab a guitar and play his favorite blues tunes, much to the group's amusement.

I think if I remember it right, Jim's dive group was The Ugly American Divers

He will be missed dearly.

Peri Paleracio
Dive Guide Extraordinaire
Manila, Philippines
Send Peri email at mailto:peripaleracio@yahoo.com