Lt. Col. James A. Brettell

On Aug. 8, 2015, the hearts of family and friends were saddened as James A. "Jim" Brettell departed this life for his next adventure - eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ. Born Jan. 27, 1928, Jim had a long and happy life as a soldier, sailor, airman and lifelong lover of fine automobiles and beautiful women. Always curious, his personal goals were to see, do, and know everything. He came close. In his own words, "It was a wonderful life!"

Though Jim came from humble beginnings, leaving home at age 14, he enjoyed every phase of his important life. Too young to serve in the Army during World War II, Jim joined the Merchant Marine and served in Europe, South America and the Pacific at the invasion of Okinawa. On his 18th birthday, following World War II, he enlisted as a private in the United States Army Corps of Engineers and retired 22 years later as a combat-decorated lieutenant colonel. Notably, he commanded a frontline combat unit in Korea in the historic Battle of Pork Chop Hill. During his Army tenure, Jim participated in the testing of the atomic bomb in Nevada and was the first person to enter the site following the nuclear explosion. With the Army's aid, Jim received his B.S. degree from the University of Maryland and his M.B.A. from Lehigh University.

After retiring from the military, Jim worked for Libby Corporation in Kansas City, Missouri, for 30 years serving as president and vice chairman of the board. While living in Kansas City, Jim learned to fly single-engine, multi-engine and jet aircraft. It was there he met and married the love of his life, Joan. The couple shared 42 happy years of marriage. Jim was very proud of his children as well as Joan's four children, whom he considered his own.

In 1986, Jim and Joan moved to Tyler to "retire." During their Tyler years, Jim wrote two books: "God's Other Son," the story of mathematical genius Issac Newton, and "Choices," an autobiography. Jim loved working with people, especially when it involved making their lives better. He gave countless hours as a board member of many organizations including The Children's Discovery Place (now Discovery Science Place), Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, Parents Anonymous, Literacy Council, Sister Cities, and The Salvation Army. Jim was instrumental in the construction of both The Salvation Army's Center of Hope and Catherine Booth Gardens. Jim was quick to befriend and help fellow neighbors and citizens. He made every person feel special and could edify others with humor and modesty. Jim had a wonderful way with people that none who knew him will ever forget.

Jim was preceded in death by his son, Dr. James R. Brettell; daughter, Sharon Knox; and grandson, Ben Brettell. He is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Steven M. Brettell, of Kansas City, Missouri, son, Patrick T. Brettell and wife Lori, of Overland Park, Kansas, son, Rod Fensom, of Phoenix, Arizona; daughter, Theresa Kreuzkamp, of Orlando, Florida, daughter, Mary Bartholomew and husband Nick, of Salisbury, Missouri, daughter, Ann Meara and husband Patrick of Chicago, Illinois; daughter-in-law, Susan Brettell, of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Steven C. Brettell, Jack Brettell, Nicole Brettell, James P. Brettell, Joseph Brettell, Christopher Brettell, Logan Brettell, Brett Knox, Wade Knox, Kelley Kreuzkamp, Katherine Kreuzkamp, Carolyn Kreuzkamp, Maggie Kreuzkamp, Tori Waggoner and husband Jeff, Stuart Edwards, Natalie Young and husband Tyson, Ryan Meara, Lizzie Meara; two great-granddaughters; and Tootsie and Shadow.

A military memorial service celebrating Jim's life and his promotion to heaven will be held at Marvin United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015.

The family wishes to express gratitude for the many prayers and kindnesses that have been extended.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Marvin United Methodist Church, 300 W. Erwin St., Tyler, 75702; The Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, 75701; or The Literacy Council, 1525 Carlyle Ave., Tyler, 75702.