Jimmie Hudson Kolp
Jimmie Hudson Kolp (1904-1970). During the pioneer era of aviation, most women were discouraged from participating or relegated to subordinate roles. In spite of these obstacles, a few brave women were among the first pilots. Born in 1904 in Copperas Cove (Coryell County), Jimmie Hudson moved with her family to Electra in 1912. She became fascinated with flight after a chance meeting with a pilot in 1928 and began flight instruction April 9, 1929, in an Alexander Eagle Rock biplane with a Curtiss Jenny OX5 engine. For Christmas in 1929, her husband, Charles (1878-1947), gave her a single-engine Spartan aircraft and 120 acres near Electra the would become Kolp Air Field.
During WWII, Kolp held events at the airfield to raise money for war bonds, and the field was used to train Air Force pilots stationed at nearby Sheppard Air Force Base. Kolp was the fist aviatrix in Wichita County and among the first in the state and nation. She was also the first woman commissioned as second lieutenant in the Texas Civil Air Patrol. Kolp’s adventures took her all over the world, including India, where she met a female co-pilot for Indian Airlines; South Korea, where she witnessed the released crew of the U.S.S. Pueblo return to the U.S.; and Australia, where four escaped convicts helped free her plane, which was stuck in the mud.
Kolp died in 1970 flying herself to Dallas for medical attention. Over her lifetime, she logged more than 5,000 hours in the air and was state, national, and international supporter of aviation advances. She was a leading advocate for female pilots, serving 40 years as a member and officer of The Ninety-Nines, and organization for female aviators founded by Amelia Earhart. Jimmie Kolp was buried in New Electra Cemetery.
Located at the Wichita Falls Regional Airport, 4000 Armstrong Drive, 76305. 33°57'51"N 98°29'30"W
During WWII, Kolp held events at the airfield to raise money for war bonds, and the field was used to train Air Force pilots stationed at nearby Sheppard Air Force Base. Kolp was the fist aviatrix in Wichita County and among the first in the state and nation. She was also the first woman commissioned as second lieutenant in the Texas Civil Air Patrol. Kolp’s adventures took her all over the world, including India, where she met a female co-pilot for Indian Airlines; South Korea, where she witnessed the released crew of the U.S.S. Pueblo return to the U.S.; and Australia, where four escaped convicts helped free her plane, which was stuck in the mud.
Kolp died in 1970 flying herself to Dallas for medical attention. Over her lifetime, she logged more than 5,000 hours in the air and was state, national, and international supporter of aviation advances. She was a leading advocate for female pilots, serving 40 years as a member and officer of The Ninety-Nines, and organization for female aviators founded by Amelia Earhart. Jimmie Kolp was buried in New Electra Cemetery.
Located at the Wichita Falls Regional Airport, 4000 Armstrong Drive, 76305. 33°57'51"N 98°29'30"W