LIMESTONE, Maine — (Ret) MSGT George L. James, 66, passed away peacefully March 23, 2017, at Bangor with his family by his side after a brief illness. He was born in Mullins, SC, December 11, 1950, the son of Woodrow and Nina (Turbeville) James and was the youngest of four siblings. George served in the United States Air Force from August 1970 until September 1990.
He served tours in Washington State, Vietnam, two tours at Loring AFB, Myrtle Beach AFB, Ramstein AB Germany, and Dyess AFB Texas. Through the years, he received several prestigious awards and commendations, including the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Service, Air Force Commendation and National Defense Service Medals.
Retiring to Limestone, George had a six year career with DFAS, followed by a twelve year career with US Customs and Border Protection. He was a lifetime member of the Lister Knowlton Post 9389 VFW and the Smart Ricker Post 10 DAV. He married Patricia St. Pierre on July 27, 1974, and through the years, they enjoyed hunting, four wheeling, and traveling the East Coast to Myrtle Beach, SC. George loved the outdoors. He loved hunting with his grandchildren, Chandler and Landon as well as playing a good round of golf with Chandler. During the summer, he loved taking Kody, Landon and Chandler for four wheeler rides. He was an avid spectator at Landon and Kody’s baseball and basketball games, and George loved spending time with his family at their camp.
Surviving in addition to his wife of over 42 years, Patricia of Limestone is his daughter and son in law Kristy and Scott Tracy of Caribou, three grandsons; Chandler, Landon and Kody Tracy. A brother in law Alphy St. Pierre and wife Elaine of Crossville, TN. Sisters in law; Nancy Chasse and husband Wallace of Mapleton, Rachel Levesque and husband Gene of Van Buren, and Gale James of Florence, SC. Numerous nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by a special cousin Ann Byrd and husband Randy of Dillon, SC. In addition to his parents, George was predeceased by a son Bryan James, brothers, Woodrow and Henry, a sister Betty, his in laws, Alphy and Mamie St. Pierre and sisters in law Joan Michaud and Linda St. Pierre.
Friends called at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou, on Tuesday, March 28, 2017, from 9:00 until 10:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, from the Parish of the Precious Blood Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Caribou. Interment will be in the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery. The family wishes to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to Crown Ambulance, Crown Critical Care transport and the staff and TAMC and EMMC for the fine care and compassion given to George. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
