JIM has had a long military career, retiring from the U.S. Army after having served for 21 years, joining the Army at the age of 18, serving in the Vietnam war, Thailand, Korea and Germany. He was awarded several medals of honor during his service, including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign W/60 Device, Bronze Star Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry W/Palm.
Upon retiring from the Army, JIM and his wife Prapai settled in Texas, first in Killeen and ultimately in San Antonio where, for some 30+ years, JIM, along with his wife, have displayed his philanthropic, kind, empathetic and caring nature to his family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances. He also displayed his humorous side and was keenly interested and actively involved in events of the family, friends and his community. Although he was miles away from his biological family in California, he remained in close contact with his siblings, attending many functions there to maintain his close ties with family.
As displayed by his many medals of valor and honor during his military service, JIM was a proud American, and proud to have served in the cause of freedom for his country. Throughout his life in San Antonio, with its obvious military presence, JIM displayed his reverence for those in uniform and in service of their country, often sharing his military experiences with those with whom he came in contact. He enjoyed the latter part of his life in the military surrounds of San Antonio.
JIM is survived by his wife of 44 years, Prapai Villanueva, daughter Siripon Phoijai and son-in-law Rex, granddaughter Katherine and grandson Kevin; sister Jovita V. Downing and husband Barry, sister Rosie Q. Ryland, brother Manuel Q. Villanueva and wife Lucy, and sister-in-law Josefa Villanueva. He is also survived by nephews Kenneth Gomez and wife Maria, Vincent Villanueva and wife Laura, nieces Kimberly Gomez, Deanna Villanueva, and Jennifer Villanueva; grandnephews Alec Fraser and Jonathan Gomez, and grandnieces Katharine Fraser and Malia Gomez.
FINAL SERVICES:
VIEWING, TRIBUTES TO JIM, followed by a ROSARY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019; 6:00 P.M.
Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home
1701 Austin Highway
San Antonio, Texas 78218 (Telephone: 210-828-2811)
FUNERAL MASS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019; 9:30 A.M.
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church
2829 Ackerman Road
San Antonio, [Kirby] Texas 78219 (Telephone: 210-661-5277)
PROCESSION and BURIAL TO FOLLOW MASS:
Fort Sam Houston International Cemetery
Burial Service 11:15 A.M.
