James Walter Habel

1939 - 2017

September 8, 1939 - September 19, 2017
Jim was called home on September 19th after a brief illness. He was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him and he will be greatly missed.
Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 8, 1939 to Michael and Helen Habel. He lived in the north for many of his formative years. He was very popular in high school, serving as student body president. Jim also played football and earned a full scholarship to Western Michigan University, where he continued to excel. Upon graduation he received an offer to play football for a professional team, however, "Uncle Sam," had other plans. Instead, Jim was shipped off as a fresh lieutenant to Korea and later to Vietnam to further serve his country. He was then promoted to captain and given command of his own company. He saw heavy action there until his honorable discharge on May 15, 1969. After leaving the service he worked in the manufacturing industry throughout many areas of the northern U.S. During this period he was blessed with the birth of three sons. He moved to San Antonio in the 1990's to take over as President of Acme Manufacturing it was then he fell in love with the city, the south, and his future wife, Bonnie. He loved the outdoors, as well as hunting and spent many happy days on their ranch in south Texas. Upon leaving Acme he joined his wife Bonnie at Fuller Travel, where they spent many happy years traveling the world together.
Jim is survived by his wife, Bonnie, 7 sons; Bill, Jason, and Eric Habel, Art, Michael, Chris, and Mark Damm. He is also survived by his brother Michael and wife Elaine, sisters Carol and husband Richard, Janice and husband Ronny. He has 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on October 2, 2017, beginning with a military service for family and close friends at 10:15 AM at Fort Sam Houston cemetery, Pavilion #2. This will be followed by a religious ceremony at St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 11:15 AM located at 11 St. Luke's Ln, Alamo Heights, TX 78209. Arrangements by Neptune Society.