SSG (Ret.) Frank E. James

SSG (Ret.) Frank E. James, age 53, passed away March 9, 2012 in Iowa City, Iowa. A visitation for Mr. James has been scheduled for Sunday, March 18, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home of Killeen. Services are scheduled for 1:30 pm at Comanche Chapel on Fort Hood with burial to follow at 3:00 pm at Central Texas State Veteran’s Cemetery. Those who would like to attend need to get a visitor’s pass prior to the service to be able to drive onto the Post.

Frank was born to Caleb and Barbara James, Jr. on September 30, 1958 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He married Dennette Simmons on March 16, 1990 in Killeen, Texas. Mr. James joined the U. S. Army and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant before retiring after serving over 20 years and received numerous awards, among which are the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (5th award), the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Army Good Conduct Medal (6th award), the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, and the Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge with Rifle Bar. His service included service in Somalia as well as Desert Storm. At the time of his death, he worked for Defense Support Services on Fort Hood, Texas.

Mr. James is preceded in death by his son, Frank T. James, a brother, Leroy Simpson, a sister, Juliette James, and his mother-in-law Hannah Melson.

Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Dennette; a daughter, Nikkiya James; a son, Donte’ James; a daughter, Crystal Grubbs; a father-in-law Franklin Melson, three sisters, Nellie White, Tammy James, and Renita James; three brothers, David Simpson, Oscar James, and Terry James; three grandsons, Joshies James, Da’Veaire James, and Trequan Grubbs; and four granddaughters Naiyla James, Mi’Kayla James, Shaniqua Grubbs, and Drishia Grubbs.

The family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Wounded Warrior’s Project online at http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org.