James Alvin Soward

James Alvin Soward was born September 1, 1922, the youngest son of Elbert Buchanan Soward and Katie Jean Emery Soward. He was born and grew up on the family homeplace in the Lanes Chapel community southeast of Clarksville in Red River County, Texas. After attending community schools there, he then worked on the family farm.

Shortly after the United States entered World War II, James was inducted into the Army on October 27, 1942 as a 20-year-old Private in the 96th Infantry Division. He eventually advanced to Staff Sergeant as a squad leader of a rifle platoon in the 382nd Regiment, and was part of the invasion forces commanded by General Douglas MacArthur that re-took Leyte in the central Philippines from Japanese occupation in October 1944. However, James’s time on Leyte as part of the invasion forces was very short because he was wounded as his regiment advanced forward from its initial beachhead. He was evacuated from Leyte to Hawaii, where he spent 80 days in the hospital. After discharge from the hospital, he was granted a furlough to return home for a visit, and while on furlough, the War ended.

For his military service, James was awarded an Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star, Unit Citation, WWII Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal with one Battle Star, Beachhead Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. For being wounded in combat, he received the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged from the Army in November, 1945.

While home on a furlough in early 1945, James met Joella King. They started dating in August of that year, were engaged in early 1946, and married on September 14th, 1946.

James spent several years farming and later worked at the Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant/Red River Arsenal. In search of better employment, James and Joella left Red River County and moved the family to Carrollton in April 1956. James worked at Texas Instruments in Richardson for over 28 years, retiring along with Joella on December 31, 1987.

After retirement, James enjoyed numerous hobbies. He did extensive wood-working in his shop in the back yard, making writing pens, key chains, jewelry, letter openers, wine bottle openers, etc. out of exotic woods and deer antlers. He also engaged in leather work, making hand-made wallets, business card holders, checkbook covers and gun holsters. Annually, he planted and maintained an extensive vegetable garden in the back yard. He also continued to read extensively, primarily focusing on his active Bible studies. From the early 1960s, both James and Joella have been extremely active as members of the Church of Christ on Josey Lane and Crosby Road in Carrollton, where James served as the church’s treasurer and member of its Board of Trustees.

James is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 74 years, Joella, and their two sons, Larry Ross and James Bruce (Jim). Also surviving him are four grandchildren: Cory James Soward, Kylie Jeanne Soward Jackson, and twins Alexandra Vasiliki Soultanidis and Jason James Soultanidis; as well as two great-grandchildren, Finley Nicole Soward and Elizabeth Anne Williams.

James will be interred at Hilltop Memorial Park in Carrollton near the final resting place of his parents.