James A Palmer

MSGT James Albert Palmer was born in Bessmay, Texas January 25, 1943 to John David Palmer and Annie Inez Palmer (nee: Voan) the seventh of nine children. His father was three-forth Comanche Indian who raised his boys to be self-sufficient. They hunted game and worked the forty acre “garden” where they raised the food they ate. Jim worked at a local dairy milking cows to earn money for the necessities needed for school.

In 1961 Jim joined the United States Air Force.

IN 1964 Jim served with the Military Assistance Command Vietnam-Studies and Observation Group, also known as SOG, a top secret unit that conducted clandestine missions into North Vietnam where he supplied close air support with SOG Team-54 and again in 1965 with SOG Team-59. He was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, The National Defense Medal, The Meritorious Service Metal, The Air Force Outstanding Unit Citation with one Bronze Star, The Armed Forces Expeditionary Ribbon, The Vietnam Service Ribbon with Two Bronze Stars, The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.

He served with USAFSS, a secretive branch of the Air Force tasked with monitoring, collecting, and interpreting military voice and electronic signals in countries of interest.

After his retirement from the Air Force in 1984 he worked for the Postal Service until 2002 when he retired to his home in Marble Falls, Texas.

Jim was raised Pentecostal and became Catholic on April 16,1966 while stationed in Wakkanai Japan

He was preceded in death by his parents, son William and many brothers and sisters.

Left to mourn his passing, his wife of 25 years Madeline “Maggie” Palmer, brother Charlie (Martha), brother Douglas, ex-wife Linda, son Michael as well as stepchildren Zeb Basquette, Marguerite Bryant, FNP, who was always “on call” for emergencies, granddaughter Natasha Henderson and spouse Antonio for the many late-night trips they made to help when Jim had fallen, granddaughter Darbey Jimenez and spouse Reyes for their love and support, granddaughter Sydney for her concern and encouragement, great granddaughters Rylee, Reagan and Reylynn.

We would like to thank Shane Maxwell, MD and his nurse Kristal of Baylor Scott and White for the years of care given Jim.

A very special thanks to Nurse Kimberly and CNA Keeli with New Century Hospice, for the wonderful care and support provided to Jim and his family, that allowed him to be at home while transitioning from this life to the next.

Funeral arrangements under the care of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home Killeen.

Private requiem Massat St Paul Chong Hasang Parish in Harker Heights.

Private Burial with military honors at Central Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.