Henry T. James, Sr.
October 31, 1917 – January 19, 2020
Henry T. James, Sr., born on October 31, 1917 in Tipton County, Tennessee went to be with his Heavenly Family on January 19, 2020.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 29, at 11 a.m. at North Mississippi Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Kilmichael, Miss. Waller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. James enlisted in the Army in 1941 and became part of the 4th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Group. He started in North Africa and moved through Sicily and Italy. His title was control tower operator but one of his primary duties was to remove and replace damaged aircraft radios, primarily in P-51 and Spitfire aircraft. He and the group earned 11 Bronze Battle Stars and two unit citations. The group flew on one of the first shuttle missions to Russia in August 1944 and, on March 24, 1945, flew the longest escort mission ever flown over Europe, a 1600-mile round trip flight to Berlin.
He met his second wife, Wanda Roberts, while taking ball room dancing lessons. They married on March 8, 1975 and lived together in Coldwater, Miss. until he entered the Veterans Home in Oxford, Miss. Wanda preceded him in death on Nov., 2018.
He is survived by sons, Tommy James and his wife, Kay of Slidell, Ala. and Keith James and his wife, Janine of Largo, Fla.; a brother, Nicky James; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and a multitude of nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was the son of David Colvan James and Mamie Ruth Weir.
Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Mr. James’ memory may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076.
For additional information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.wallerfuneralhome.com.
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