Retired CW4 James Leon West

Funeral service with full military honors for Retired CW4 James Leon West, 77 of Killeen, TX will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Maranatha Baptist Church in Killeen, TX. Viewing will be held two hours prior to the service (9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.) at the church. 

Burial will be held Monday, May 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX. 

Mr. West passed away April 18, 2023, in Austin, TX. 

James Leon West was born in Navasota, Texas on December 17, 1945, to Harry G. and Ella Mae West. He graduated in 1965 from George Washington Carver High School located in Navasota, Texas and continued his education at Prairie View A & M University. During his tenure at Prairie View University, James was drafted into the United States Army where he honorably served his country for 26 ½ years.

James West served two tours in the Vietnam War, completed an extended term in Korea, served a tour in Germany during his tenure with the Army and was  honorably discharged in 1993. While James served his country, he received the following decorations:

            The Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
            Air Medal
            Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Cluster
            Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Clusters
            Good Conduct Medal (5th Award)
            Vietnam Service Medal
            NCO Processional Development Ribbon
            Army Service Ribbon
            Overseas Service Ribbon Numeral 3
            Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
            Aircraft Crewman Badge
            Master Aircraft Crewman Badge
            Expert Badge Rifle
            Presidential UIT Citation
            Meritorious Unit Commendation
            Nation Defense Service Medal with 1 Silver Star

 James loved learning and believed in educating himself. He attended Central Texas College and earned the following certifications and degrees: Certification of Completion in Residential Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; Associate of Applied Science Degree in Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic Repair; Certification of Completion in Commercial Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; and an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies. He also attended: Columbus College located in Columbus, GA earning an Associate Degree in Business Administration; Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL earning a Bachelors Degree of Science Avionics and a Master Degree in Business Administration; and Mary Hardin Baylor University in Belton, TX earning his Teacher Certification - James taught for two years at Marlboro Elementary School within the Killeen Independent School District.

 Before departing this earth, James was a faithful member of Maranatha Baptist Church located in Killeen, TX where he served on the Trustee Board. Prior to uniting with Maranatha, James was a dedicated member of Bible Way Missionary Baptist Church located in Copperas Cove, TX where he served as an usher and an Ordained Deacon.

 James West leaves the following to cherish his memory: Mattie West, his beloved wife of 57 years of Killeen, TX); adored sons James Leon West Jr. (Hester) of Killeen, TX and Jeremy DeShawn West of Killeen, TX; his loving sisters Mary Jane Skanes, Bobbie Daniels (Kermit), and Artelia Pierson (Rudolph) all of Houston, TX; his adored grandsons Ontario West, KeShawn Jackson-West, and DeShawn Jackson-West. He also leaves a host of other relatives and friends to cherish warm memories.

 James was preceded in death by his parents Harry G. West, Sr. and Ella Mae West, and his brother Harry G. West, Jr.