James Irwin
American astronaut
James Irwin Rank
About James Irwin
James Irwin was the pilot for Apollo 15, which completed the fourth moon landing, making him the eighth person to walk on the moon.
Early Years
Irwin was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to James and Elsa Irwin. He had dreams of being the first man to visit the moon as a young boy, but eventually became the eighth person to do so.
NASA Career
After his time in the military, Irwin joined US space agency NASA in 1966 as a Lunar Module pilot. Later, he joined the support crew for Apollo 10 and served as the alternate pilot for the second moon landing. He finally received his opportunity for moon travel and landed Apollo 15 on the moon. He retired shortly after his trip and spent the remainder of his years as a reborn Christian.
Death
Irwin had three heart attacks after his trip to the moon. He passed away after his last heart attack in 1991. The renowned pilot was survived by his wife Mary Ellen and five children. He was not the first man to touch the surface of the moon, but he was the first lunar explorer to die.
Honors
- NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- 1971 United Nations Peace Medal
- 1971 Cities of New York and Chicago Gold Medals
- 1972 Haley Astronautics Award
- 1972 Arnold Air Society’s John F. Kennedy Trophy
James Irwin Rank
James Irwin photo gallery
F.A.Q. about James Irwin
When is his birthday?
James Irwin's birthday is on March 17, 1930.
In how many days is his birthday?
James' birthday is in 354 days
How old was James when he died?
He was 61 years old.
When did he die?
He died in August 8, 1991.
How old would he be today?
James Irwin would be 94 years old if he was alive today.
Where was James from?
He was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, U.S..