James W. Kincaid Jr. (Jim)

James W. Kincaid, Jr. (“Jim”) went peacefully to be with the Lord on September 16, 2018—his 89th birthday—at his home in Burkburnett after a lifetime of service to his country, his family, and his community. Jim retired as a Lieutenant Colonel at Sheppard Air Force Base in 1991. 

In a 38 ½ year Air Force career that spanned the Vietnam and Cold Wars, Jim combined a drive for excellence with an irrepressible sense of humor and a deep concern for the men and women he led.  As a result, Jim was revered by those serving under his command.

From 1981 until his retirement, Jim was assigned to SAFB as Deputy Commander of the 3785th Field Training Group, also serving as Field Training Wing Commander and Vice Commander, overseeing 20 Field Training Divisions worldwide.

In 1976, Jim was selected to attend the prestigious Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, leading to his assignment as an ATC Training Advisor to USAFE at Ramstein AFB, Germany.

In 1972, Jim was chosen to attend the Command and Staff University at Maxwell, which prepared him to lead as an Executive Officer at Randolph AFB.

Jim served in the Vietnam War as a Crew Chief, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service at Tuy Hoa AFB, Vietnam: “From 1968-69, while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force, Captain Kincaid displayed sound judgment, leadership, and foresight in providing the 309th Tactical Fighter Squadron and the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing with the finest aircraft maintenance available.” After the Vietnam War, Jim returned to SAFB as Operations Branch Chief of the Tech Training School.

Before Vietnam, Jim had served at SAFB as Operations Chief, Department of Field Training, and had commanded FTDs at Alconbury AFB, UK and Bergstrom AFB.

His career in the Air Force started as an enlisted Staff Sergeant from 1951-55.  Jim then went into the reserves and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant.  Fittingly, his active duty career as a maintenance officer began at SAFB in the field training branch.

Jim earned a bachelor’s from Oklahoma State University, and a master’s degree from Troy State.

In 1993, Jim married Sue.  Jim was active in his community, serving as president of the Burkburnett Lions Club and secretary of MOOA.  Jim was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church of Wichita Falls, where he actively participated in the Bi-the-Way Sunday School Class.  Jim loved golf, enjoying his golfing buddies as much as the game. Wednesday night pool with Joe Gillespie was the highlight of his week.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ida and James Kincaid of Glencoe, Oklahoma, Jim’s birthplace; and his grandson John Parker of Burkburnett.

Left to honor Jim and remember his love are his wife, Sue, of Burkburnett; his daughter Kathy Parker of Burkburnett, and her children Jennifer and Melissa; his son Jim and his wife Shirley of San Antonio and their daughters, Lindsey, Kelsey, and Ashley; his daughter Susan Brown and her husband Michael of Arlington and their children Chloe Suzanne, Katherine Lee, and Elizabeth Caid. Jim has several great-grandchildren and other extended family. Celebrating his life is also his beloved sister, Patricia Ward, and husband Gayle of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

The memorial service will be at First United Methodist Church in Wichita Falls at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 20. All are invited to a reception following. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.