In the early days of G. W. R. R. A., there were very few Chapters in Ohio. The local Chapter for all of Southwest Ohio was Chapter “F” in Fairborn. In the summer of 1984, a group of folks who were part of “F” Troop felt that a city the size of Dayton should have its own Chapter.

A petition was sent to the State Directors at this time to spin off a new Chapter in Dayton. To complete all the paperwork and arrange the necessary staffing took most of the year. Spin-offs were not as prevalent as they are today.

On March 1, 1985, a Charter was issued to Gem City Wings, Chapter ‘J’ in Dayton. The first Area Representative was Gary Mast, A Sergeant in the Air Force, stationed at W.P.A.F.B. His Assistant Area Representative was Dan Briley of Eaton. Chapter J was finally under way. With a small, but good group of about 20-22 members we had a great year getting everything going. The first Annual Three Day Ride was scheduled that year and remains a popular ride to this day. Chapter “J” was represented at the Buckeye Rally and in Knoxville at Wing Ding. That first year was great, with the newness of the Organization, making new friends, and just enjoying the fellowship of other Goldwingers.

We started our second year full of enthusiasm; when, as so often happens in a group, dissension struck the ranks. Several of our members pulled out leaving the Chapter without leadership. In August of 1986, Ed & Marilyn Cromer were appointed the second Area Representative for the Chapter. With the help of Assistant Area Representatives Truman & Marilyn Combs, we again began to build and grow. Through the next few years the Chapter increased in size and in activities. With the aid of as excellent staff our reputation throughout the area as a group that had fun and rode a lot made us a Chapter that attracted many good people.

By 1991, we were a very large Chapter, so our first child spun off of “J” was Chapter T-2 in Trotwood. In the spring of 1993, folks from “J” and “F” spun off Chapter S-2 in Springfield. While you might think that spin-offs would cause a Chapter to get smaller, it seems as though just the opposite happens, we just expand our family. In June of 1993, Dennis & Shirley Banfield were appointed Area Representatives with Ron & Elaine Rhoads as the Assistants. When Ron & Elaine took to the big rig, Bill Zile and Elaine McIlvaine (now Zile) took over as Assistant Chapter Directors. During this time, the home office of GWRRA changed the name from Area Representative to Chapter Director.

Chapter “J” has been extremely successful in the activities of the State. In 1993, Greg & Joyce Burton, Chapter “”J” Couple Of The Year, won the competition for State Couple Of The Year, Region “D” Couple Of The Year, and at Wing Ding were named National Couple Of The Year. The entire Chapter was so proud of them. In 1994. a couple that started in “J” then went to T-2, Carl & Judy Williams followed the Burtons all the way up the ladder to repeat the same feat. Again, we were all so proud. Would you believe, in 1995, Jim & AnnaMarie Fornadel, again a couple that started in “J” and became active in S-2 in Springfield won the District Couple Of The Year.

Bill & Elaine Zile were appointed Chapter Directors in 1993 with Darrin Ebright as Assistant. Ron & Peg Pester were appointed Chapter Directors in 1999 and Darrin stayed on as Assistant. Darrin Ebright was appointed in 2001 and Norm Zintz in 2004. Ron & Peg Pester took over the helm again in 2005. -Steve & Kathy Belew were appointed in 2009 with Assistants Steve & Jane Nickerson.

Our Chapter Patch and was round with a black background with lettering Gem City Wings Dayton, Ohio in gray around the edge. A diamond is in the center with J in the center of the diamond in Sangria. This was the Emblem used on our shirts. Our Chapter shirt colors have been white, red, gray and black sweat shirts. In 1993, when Bill & Elaine were in charge, shirt colors were discussed at a staff meeting and Jodie Flynn was the one who chose Sangria (raspberry) as the color. Bill didn’t think it would go over, but it lasted until 2009. In 2009 our Chapter colors were changed to gold with a new diamond logo.

Chapter “J” has always been, and will always be, a great place to meet your Gold Wing family and friends. We are an active, vital, friendly group to associate with. If you ride, we invite you to come and participate with us. You are always welcome.

Most of this was compiled by Sue White in 1995 in a cookbook published by Chapter “J” for our ten year Anniversary. Ron Pester was very helpful in bringing the history up to date for the past ten years.