Colonel James E. "Jim" Williamson "flew his last flight" on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. Graveside service: 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at Houston National Cemetery with honors. Visitation: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, prior to the service, the family will receive friends at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive in Houston, Texas, 77038. Jim was born in Houston on Nov. 7, 1929, and graduated from Lamar High School in 1947. He was commissioned in 1951 as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and became a career jet fighter pilot with a combat tour in Korea and two in Vietnam. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1979 with the rank of Colonel. He flew over 600 fighter combat missions, receiving three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars with 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 four 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, N.J. Survivors: His loving wife of over 55 years, Ann Howard Williamson of Richmond; 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, Ariz., and Robbie Pape of Houston; grandchildren, Samantha Pape, Tiffani Morris, Heather Allen and James Williamson; great-grandchild, Kent Allen; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

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Published by Star-Telegram on Oct. 19, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for James Williamson

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21 Entries

Rosina Duckworth

October 22, 2016

I am so honored to have had him in my life. He was the most everything...most loyal friend, most helpful in times of need, most avid golfer, most elegant human being. He made our lives better. He will be in my heart always. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

MaryLou/Jim Kerr

October 21, 2016

Ann, you and the girls were in my thoughts all day yesterday as we drove home from Oklahoma. I know your heart is broken but gosh, you have such wonderful and loving memories to cherish and these memories will help in the healing process. I will be talking to you soon. We love you, Mary Lou and Jim

Hanna

October 20, 2016

Having read the entries before ours, I'm not sure what to add, because our thoughts have been so beautifully expressed. We "ditto" especially Caressa Hughes' words. Our addition is the blessing of being with you at the beginning of your fairy tale love story. We watched lovingly as the two of you began your lifetime journey together. How you embraced that journey, and we had front row seats. Then the blessing of Linda and Robbie.....and now it's time for you 3 ladies to continue this journey called life, knowing he has only left you physically, but still walking each step right beside you. Our love to you. Ann and Jack

October 19, 2016

Ann , our heart and prayers are with you and your family during this time. We always enjoyed talking with Jim at Church when he came with you. Such a wonderful Man of God. He will surely be missed. Praise God for his service to our country. We love you Pastor David & Randy Frisbey First Algoa Baptist Church

Barb Moses

October 19, 2016

I loved listening to your daddy's stories, mostly because of how passionate he was to tell them. Every time we talked he always told me about how he met Ann and how he won her over. I know he will be greatly missed and yet his love will live on. I am grateful for the times we spent together. All my love to the entire family as you celebrate his life.

Caressa Hughes

October 19, 2016

We have lost an incredible Man! My heart is grieving for all of you during this difficult time. I want you to know how honored I am to have have known your "Daddy". I always saw him as the tough guy who knew his job was to take care of his family, while at the same time, making sure they were strong and independent. What an amazing job he did! I also saw that underneath all the tough guy stuff was a man who dearly loved his family more than anything else in the world...even more than his precious Baylor Bears! Thanks to "Daddy", this family unit is now stronger than ever! I know he will be forever in your hearts and minds so, my prayer for you is that your heart will heal and you will have the strength to continue his legacy that he left behind in YOU!
Love, Caressa, Thass and Lance

Linda Williamson Kirby

October 18, 2016

You taught me how to be strong, to stand on my own two feet, and not take guff from anyone. Because of you, I've had an amazing journey called life. I'll miss you forever. Thank you for being my dad!!

Kamela Scott

October 18, 2016

I couldn't have asked for a better Daddy #2 when I moved to Waco and Robbie became my dearest friend and roommate. I loved talking football with him, he helped me buy a car when I was in graduate school, such an incredibly strong man who was dearly loved, respected and appreciated. Ann, Linda and Robbie, I continue praying WITH you, and I'm sending so much love to you.

Michelle Smith

October 18, 2016

Ann, our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. We are here.... just one doorstep away. Hugs, Michelle and Jeff Smith

Lee and Nicole Longino

October 18, 2016

Robbie and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. We appreciate your father's service to our great country!!

Roger A. Burkhalter

October 18, 2016

I did not know the Colonel but would like to extend my condolences to his family and thanks for his service to our country.

Scot and Lori Werkmeister

October 18, 2016

Robbie - Wishing comfort and peace for you and your family at this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your father's story. What an accomplished gentleman.

Mercedes King

October 17, 2016

Love you all so much. In our thoughts and prayers. The pictures are so wonderful. Love all of them so many beautiful memories. My deepest condolences. Love, Mercedes, Jake and Sean King

Trang Suehring

October 17, 2016

My deepest condolences to you and your family, Linda! Your father was a true HERO in every sense of the word! Keeping you and your family in my prayers. God bless you all....

October 16, 2016

Thank you for your service Colonel, RIP Sir. Barbara (Bentley) Bennett Classmate of Ann.

Daniel West

October 16, 2016

So sorry for your families loss. JD, I know you were very proud of your dad. I always enjoyed the stories you would tell at work about your dads experiences as a Fighter Pilot. My family very much appreciates his Service to our Great Nation...The United States of America. You and your family will be in our thoughts and Prayers.
Sincerely, The West Family.

Les and Tonya Isaacowitz

October 16, 2016

To the whole family of Colonel Williamson- our deepest condolences and sympathy. Sincerely, Les and Tonya Isaacowitz

Rone & Barb Luczynski

October 16, 2016

Our deepest condolences to Robbie and her entire family. Mr. Williamson was a true American hero and an accomplished individual. We know he will be sorely missed.

October 16, 2016

Rest In Peace, Colonel.....Thank you for your service to our country...
Linda and Don Eudy

Ray Runyan

October 16, 2016

Quite simply put, Jim was my Air Force partner, my golfing buddy, and my friend. You will be sorely missed.

Robin Belisle

October 16, 2016

Surely a true Hero. Thank you for your service.
Rest in Peace.

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