More detail on this person: James (Jim) Welborne Mason of Texarkana, Texas, passed away on August 3, 2020. Jim and his wife, Marianne have resided in Texarkana since 1981. Jim was born in Silver City, New Mexico, in 1941 and moved, with his family, to Albuquerque when he was fifteen. Jim fell in love with Marianne in 1959 and were married in Albuquerque in 1961. Marianne was the first love of his life, living out their lives together until Jim's passing. In 1965 he volunteered for U.S. Army Helicopter Flight School and flew two tours in the Vietnam War. His first tour, he rose to Aircraft Commander with the 128th Attack Helicopter Company. His second tour he flew U-21 fixed-wing aircraft. Following his return, he and Marianne lived throughout the nation. Jim's last eleven years in the military were spent as an AH-1 Cobra Flight Instructor with the Arkansas Army National Guard at Camp Robinson, North Little Rock. Among Jim's many awards and decorations received during his Army career were Master Army Aviator wings, the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, two awards of the Bronze Star medal, forty-three awards of the Air Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and many more. At the time of his retirement, he was the oldest Army helicopter pilot on active flight status, flying 1789 combat flight hours during his career. Survivors include his wife, Marianne, one son, Derek, two loving grand-sons, Aidan and Ian, one sister, Lannie Beuchner of Kansas, and one brother, Mack David Smith of Montana. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jim Mason - He is our Hero and will be forever honored and missed by his family. He lived life!
This information was last updated 08/17/2020
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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