James slipped the surly bonds of earth on January 21st, 2025. He flew west! Born at Barksdale Field Hospital in Bossier City, LA on February 28, 1937. He is preceded in death by his parents, M/Sgt. Henry T. Piner (USAF Retired) and Vivian B. (Deaton) Piner. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lentha J. Piner, his son Andy Piner (Britney Piner), and grandchildren Camille & Keller Piner.
Jim (aka Hog) Piner was a military dependent so grew up in seven states/schools and traveled throughout the western & southern states. He graduated high school in San Marcos, TX and attended Southwestern Texas State Teachers College, before enlisting in the US Air Force as an Aviation Cadet. He later earned his degree from the University of Omaha.
A fighter pilot by trade, Jim flew at least seven different airplanes and was stationed in at least four different countries, including Japan, Korea, Spain & Vietnam. In Vietnam, he flew 193 combat missions with 53 over North Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller, identifying & marking targets. In 1966, Jim married his favorite nurse, Capt. Lentha Varner and they began raising a family in 1969. He loved home projects, spending time with his kid/grandkids, enjoying watermelon, dark chocolate & BEvERages.
After retirement, Jim focused on child rearing and caring for his aging parents, occasionally striking a golf ball more times than he desired. As an active member of Palestine Methodist, he served as Treasurer for the Men’s Group, organized and rang the Salvation Army Red Kettle Bellringers annually at Christmastime and worked with the CENLA Food Bank at Ball Community Center.
A lifelong member of the Command Bar Stool Association, he also belonged to the Super Sabre Society, the Order of Daedalians and the Military Officers Assoc of America.
Jim did good on this earth, and he will be sorely missed.
A memorial service will be held 11AM on 2/8 at Palestine Methodist.
Obituary from The Advocate https://obituaries.theadvocate.com/obituary/james-piner-1092584268