Riding for the Twelve: Jim P's Journey to Convention Inspires Us All

A Beta brother's motorcycle pilgrimage honors Gamma Theta's fallen heroes

A Ride for the 12's, Jim, and a Heritage Classic

Jim Pappas pledged Beta in 1982 and lived in the chapter house until graduating in 1985 with a degree in Geology, serving as house manager and chapter historian. After graduation, there was a 30-year gap from active involvement in the house. His career, family, military service, and frequent moves (no internet in those days) made staying connected nearly impossible.

The bridge back came in 2012, when Jim's oldest son decided to attend WSU and pledged Beta that summer. Dropping his son off at the house, Jim was met by his brothers, who came trotting out to help before he'd even parked. "We're totally home," he remembers thinking. His oldest son was on his way to becoming a Beta.

Drawing on years of volunteer experience with Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and booster clubs, Jim noticed a leadership gap and asked GBA President Joe Buchanan if the Betas needed a volunteer. He then transitioned from Beta parent to chapter counselor. He served as chapter counselor from 2014 to 2022.

Reflecting on brotherhood, Jim, an only son with one sister, says he found through Beta "an even richer form of brotherhood" than he ever imagined as a young pledge.

From the Chapter House to the Cockpit

Jim's military career began in 1987 when he volunteered for the Air Force, training as a navigator before eventually earning his dream pilot slot. He flew B-52s out of Minot, North Dakota, then KC-135 tankers, crediting his fraternity experience with preparing him for the camaraderie of a combat crew. After leaving active duty in 2000, he flew for Northwest Airlines, weathered layoffs around 9/11, and ultimately spent 17 years flying 747s for UPS out of Anchorage. He retired from the Air Force Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel after roughly 23 years of total service.

The Ride

Rather than fly to this year's convention, Jim is riding his motorcycle, dedicating the journey to the 12 Gamma Theta brothers who lost their lives in military service. He's especially moved by the story of Orman Young Jr., a Spokane native and rising pilot who never finished his degree (he would have graduated in 1943) after leaving school early for pilot training. Young died in a B-17 crash in the English Channel after returning from a European bombing mission; his body was never recovered. Jim has researched Young's family history, including a Spokane retirement center his father helped establish, and hopes to restore awareness of his memory and the other 11 fallen brothers.

"I hope this will bring awareness to our 140 or so chapters," Jim says, "so they can take a look and remember their forgotten service members who died in war."

Why It Matters

Jim hopes his ride inspires others to find their own way, by bike, car, or otherwise, to honor those who came before. As for what he'll be thinking about during the long miles ahead: safety, the American countryside, and the twelve brothers he's riding for.

His message to brothers considering convention this year is simple: "Just go! It's a hugely rewarding experience."

Editor's Note:

Please comment, like the story, and pass it along to your brothers. Should we try to turn this into a fundraiser?