COMPTON JAMES M

1LT James "Mike" M Compton was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 08/18/2017 at the age of 70.0
The Colony, TX
Flight Class 70-34
Date of Birth 08/18/1947
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with C/7/1 CAV in 71
Call sign in Vietnam COMANCHE 38
This information was provided by obituary

More detail on this person: Compton, James Michael Obituary James Michael Compton, known to friends as "Mike," passed away on Friday, August 18, 2017, his seventieth birthday. There are a few great men, and now there is one less. Mike was an incredible, God-loving man who chose a quiet path and let his actions be his voice. Fittingly, that's how he left this world, quiet and peacefully but bold enough to pass on his birthday. He touched many people with his huge heart and kind actions, and he lived to serve anyone who crossed his path. He enjoyed nothing more than taking care of those he loved, especially his wife. Mike was the most devoted father and loved any activity involving his children. There was never any question his family was his highest priority. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mike spent much of his youth in Alabama. He graduated from Coffee County High School in Manchester, Tennessee, in 1965. Mike attended Middle Tennessee State University where he was on the competitive shooting team, graduating with a degree in history in 1969. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. He served as a Cobra Helicopter pilot in Vietnam and was awarded three Air Medals, two with V Devices, for actions in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain from the Army in 1973. Mike and Kathy met in February of 1970 and were married in 1972 after he returned from Vietnam. Early in their marriage, they lived in several locations, including Illesheim, Germany. They eventually settled in Carrollton, Texas, where they raised their three children. After his military service, Mike spent his entire professional career of 37 years with Texas Instruments, retiring as flight dispatcher and scheduler for the TI Flight Department in 2008. He served on the National Business Aviation Association Schedulers and Dispatchers Committee and chaired the committee in 2001. During his early time with Texas Instruments, Mike studied and received his MBA from St. Edward's University in Georgetown, Texas. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 44 years, Mary Katherine "Kathy" (née McGlaun); his mother-in-law, Nadell McGlaun of Plano, Texas; his children Karen and Bryan Compton of Plano, Texas, Dr. Jeffrey Compton of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Carin and Cameron Asby of Houston, Texas. He will be fondly remembered by his three grandchildren, Anna Katherine, Elizabeth James, and Leo Thomas Asby of Houston, Texas. Mike also leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Ray and Rhonda Compton of Paris, Tennessee, and his niece Bailey Compton of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Included in the many who will miss him most are his two beloved dogs, Lola and Jon-Jon. Mike is preceded in death by his parents Sarah Faye and Carson L. Compton and his father-in-law, Donald E. McGlaun. Visitation with the family will begin at noon on Wednesday, August 23, and a funeral service will immediately follow at 1:30 pm at First Baptist Church Carrollton, Texas. Graveside services, with military honors, will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 11:30 am at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211. Memorial donations in memory of Mike can be made to: John 3:16 Emergency Shelter ~ P.O. Box 1107012 ~ Carollton, Texas 75011 Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.

Burial information: Dallas Ft Worth National Cemetery

This information was last updated 12/29/2022

Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters

Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list

Return to VHPA web site

Date posted on this site: 10/23/2024


Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association