Pilot Described as Expert Flier

James A. Gregory, 40, of Amelia Island, Fla., was a veteran who flew jets in the Navy and had been a pilot for most of his adult life, friends said.

Timothy J. Brown, co-owner of the F-86 that Gregory was flying, described his friend as a skilled pilot who was very familiar with the plane.

“It’s a great blow to me,” said Brown, of Fernandina Beach, Fla. “He was my partner in the airplane and a great friend. It’s one of those things you just don’t understand. He had flown the airplane 19 times in the last 16 days.”

Gregory is survived by his wife, Beth, and a 5-year-old daughter, Laura. His 41st birthday would have been Tuesday.

He owned four airplanes, including the F-86. Brown said that the two often flew the aircraft at shows across the country and that the plane was in excellent condition.

Others who knew Gregory described him as an expert flier.

“I had a great deal of respect for him as a pilot and person,” said Randy Brooks, a friend of Gregory who flies with Brown for an aerobatic team sponsored by Holiday Inn and Coca-Cola. “We’re really sorry for the loss.”