James Archer, who began flying with North Mississippi Air in 1987, was a pilot for Air Methods Corporation, formerly Rocky Mountain Helicopters (RMH), based at North Mississippi Medical Center. Archer, 58, began his military career as a jet aircraft mechanic in 1968 with the Meridian Air National Guard and transferred to the Army Guard in Tupelo in 1975. He attended Army Officer Candidate School, Army Officer Basic and Army Rotary Wing Flight Training. He spent several years flying with the National Guard, Tupelo Police Department and Mississippi Forestry Service. He received multi-engine, fixed wing, commercial, instrument and flight instructor ratings along with airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic's license.

Flying for the aeromedical services includes being a part of an elite team, which was a gratifying experience for Archer. He enjoyed having the opportunity to work with highly trained medical flight crew members and pilots, who bring a wealth of experience, education and expertise to NMMC.

Archer's family includes his wife, Marcia of Wren, and daughter, Leigh Anne, and her husband, Chris Erickson, and their daughter, Campbell Lee Erickson.

In an interview in 1997, Archer said, "Flying for RMH and North Mississippi Health Services for the last 10 years has been the most gratifying job I have ever had. I feel fortunate to be a part of a team that I truly love, and that I think is so important to our area."