James W. Hart Jr.
Services with military honors for James Wesley Hart, Jr. of Plano, TX are set for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 22, 2019, in the Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home Chapel, Marietta, OK, with Pastor Brett Alberda officiating.
Interment will follow in the Lakeview Cemetery, Marietta under the direction of Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
James was born May 19, 1940 in Marietta to James Wesley Hart and Annie Adella Busby Hart.
He passed away Friday, October 18, 2019, at the Medical City of Plano at the age of 79.
James was a graduate of Thackerville High School Class of 1958. On May 28,1958, he enlisted into the United States Army. James spent twenty years in the Army serving two tours during the Vietnam War and served in Korea. He retired as a CW3 with honorable discharge as an Army Helicopter Pilot on June 30, 1978. For his service he was awarded 10 Good Conduct Medals, an SS Carbine Badge, four National Defense Service Medals, Expert (.45 Pistol) Badge, a Vietnam Service Medal, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, an Army Aviator Badge, three Army Commendation Medals, three Bronze Star Medals, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, an Air Medal with 32 Oak Leaf Clusters, seven Oversea Service Bars, an Achievement Medal, two Air Medals (1st – 32 No OLC), an Expert (M-16) Badge, a Republic of Vietnam Army Commendation Medal, two Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medals w/60 Device, RVNGCUCW/P, a Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Service Star, a Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star and the Meritorious Service Medal.
After James retired with the Army, he embarked on another career with the Texas Department of Corrections, retiring after 10 years.
On October 12, 1968 James married Gwendolyn Marlene Jones. They just celebrated 51 years of marriage. After his service in the U.S. Army, he continued to be a part of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots association. His passion was making furniture or dollhouses for his grandkids. He was a perfectionist at everything he did. James enjoyed traveling and his favorite part of the trip was being able to drive. He enjoyed spending time walking his granddaughter from the bus stop to the house. James was a patriotic man, a good caretaker and provider, who was devoted to his family.
James was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael D. Hart; a daughter, Janet Hart; two brothers, Bill Hart and Sammy Hart; and two sisters, Margie Gaither and Martha Fosbre.
He is survived by his wife Gwendolyn, of the home; a son, Wesley Hart and his wife Heather of Wichita, Falls, TX; five daughters, Marlene Colby of Henrietta, TX, Sharon Tomplait of Sulphur, LA, Jessica Moss and husband Paul of Plano, Amanda Hart of Dallas, TX and Chasity Hofbauer and husband Jake of Bowie, TX; three brothers, Paul J. Hart and wife Barbara, Don R. Hart all of San Antonio, TX and Michael J. Hart of Marietta, OK; 11 Grandchildren; 11 Great-Grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers are Jason Colwell, Paul Moss, Jake Hofbauer, Jakson Hofbauer, Randy Russell and Clint Russell.
Honorary bearers are 162nd Assault Helicopter Company Vultures and the Charliehorse Troop.
For those that would like to send memorial contributions, the family suggests the Disabled American Veterans.
Time of visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
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