James E. (Jim) Williamson of Richmond, TX, “flew his last flight” on October 13, 2016. He was born in Houston, TX on November 7, 1929 and graduated from Lamar High School in 1947. He was commissioned in 1951 as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S.A.F. and became a career jet fighter pilot with a combat tour in Korea and two in Vietnam.
He retired from the Air Force in 1979 with the rank of Colonel. He flew over 600 fighter combat missions, receiving three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars w/valor, 25 Air Medals and numerous other medals and ribbons. Upon returning home from Korea, he completed his degree from Baylor University in 1954. While on active duty, he completed his law degree from South Texas Law School in 1963, (passing the Texas State Bar in 1962), and a Masters from the University of Oklahoma in 1977.
Along with being a total sports fan and a dedicated fighter pilot, he was also an avid golfer, getting his first hole in one at age 10 at Hermann Park and adding 4 more holes in one later in life.
He was a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, soldier, patriot, fighter pilot and loyal friend. He was preceded in death by his parents William Carey and Ruth Williamson of Houston; brothers, Carey Williamson Jr. of Tyler, and Jack Williamson of Cherry Hill, NJ.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 55 years, Ann (Howard) Williamson of Richmond, TX; son, J. D. (David) Williamson and wife Tammie of LaPorte; daughters, Ruth Williamson and husband Ben Bennett of Lake Whitney, Linda Kay Kirby and husband Bob of Phoenix, AZ and Robbie Pape of Houston; grandchildren, Samantha Pape, Tiffani Morris, Heather Allen and James Williamson; great grandchild, Kent Allen; and nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 10:30am at American Heritage Funeral Home 10710 Veterans Memorial Dr. in Houston, TX 77038. Graveside Services will follow at 12:30 pm at Houston National Cemetery with honors.