1LT. James Cleburne Houston (Army Air Forces)

James Cleburne “Jim” Houston, Sr., age 91, passed away October 15, 2011 at the Texas State Veterans Home in Temple, TX. He was born on June 28, 1920 in San Antonio, TX to Robert Cleburne and Mary Ellen Blackmon Houston. He was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces serving as a bombardier in the South Pacific during WWII. He was awarded the Air Medal, a Unit Citation, and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars.

Jim was an award-winning photographer known for his exceptional scenic photography. He received his first camera at the age of 8 and was taking photos with his new digital camera at 90. He was a 1938 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, where he served as assistant to renowned photographer Fritz Henle who was shooting a cover story there for Life Magazine. In the 1960s, Jim was Director of Photography for two motion pictures filmed in San Antonio.

Jim had a lifelong interest in woodworking, carpentry, model airplanes and electronics. He was a charter member of the Alamo Radio Control Society. After the war, he worked for the Bell Telephone Company. He studied electronics and operated Jefferson TV Repair during the 1950s. Later, he owned and operated Dell-Tex Vending Company, and was a store manager for Studer’s Photos, Inc. After retirement, he ran a successful computer sales and software company.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Mary Mackey Houston. He is survived by his children, James Houston, Jr., Elizabeth Houston Patranella, Roberta Houston Young; stepdaughter Alice Mackey Brandt; 6 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at 8:15 a.m. with funeral service at 8:30 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with Military Honors.