James Edsel "Ed" Risinger

Ed, age 80, quietly passed away on June 17, 2015, at his home in Austin, TX, with his loving wife at his side. Born and raised in Texas, Ed served his country and fellow man for much of his life.

In 1956, Ed joined the United States Air Force and served as a pilot. During the Vietnam War, Capt. Risinger volunteered for a top secret squadron, Fast Forward Air Controllers, flying F100s. In this elite group with the callsign "MISTY", Ed was #32 of 157 Pilots. Completing 53 missions, Ed's decorations include the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross with 4 Oakleaf Clusters, and the Air Medal with 13 Oakleaf Clusters.

After his Vietnam service, Ed returned to civilian life and attended medical school in San Antonio. He completed a Radiology residency in the United States Navy where he met the love of his life, a Navy Nurse, Juliette Mimi Schmid. He retired from the Navy in 1980 and moved back to Texas shortly after. He retired from the Austin Radiological Association in 1999.

Ed kept in close contact with the Misty's, and found great joy in attending reunions. After retirement, he worked on writing down his Misty memories to pass on to the next generation, and encouraged other Misty's to do the same. This culminated in the book ,"Misty", edited by Major General Don Shepperd, published in 2003.

Ed was a passionate follower of Jesus Christ and a member of Christ Church. He was preceded in death by his parents James Edward Risinger and Lois Keeter, and his brother Dennis Craig Risinger. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, his son Ed Risinger, two grandchildren, Alex and James Risinger, and sisters-in-law Jackie Risinger and Toni Schmid Stevenson. Family and friends remember Ed for his intelligence, wit, and masterful story telling abilities.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at Christ Church, 112 Medina Street, Austin, TX. Interment will be held at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to African Mothers Health Initiative www.africanmothers.org or to the Gift of English www.giftofenglish.com