Retired Lt. Col., James Thomas Lindsey, USAF

NO GREATER LOVE FOR GOD, COUNTRY, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS Retired Lt. Col., James Thomas Lindsey, USAF, died March 31st,2024. Col Lindsey was born in Marshall, MO, on August 2nd, 1924. He was 99 years old. His parents were in the restaurant business in Marshall on West Boyd for many years. Jim graduated from Marshall High in 1943. He immediately enlisted in the Merchant Marines where he stayed until 1947. Upon his discharge, Jim joined the USAF in 1947 and after basic training, he spent time as a crash boat engineer at Eglin Field, FL. And later was accepted for officer candidate school at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Tx., graduating in December 1949. He qualified for pilot training at Reese AFB, Lubbock, Tx and received his silver pilot wings, his silver 1st LT bars and a gold wedding band on June 23rd, 1951. He had met his new bride, Carolyn Culberson, during his stay at Reese AFB. Carolyn was his loyal companion for 53 years before passing away in December of 2005. After graduation from pilot training, he was assigned to a B-29 crew training at Randolph AFB and later assigned to Kadena AFB in Okinawa where he participated in 27 bombing missions over North Korea. He later flew KC-97s and KC-P135 aerial tankers. After several assignments in the U.S., he spent time in Alaska and had his final assignment at the Pentagon, retiring March1970. He retired as a veteran of WWII, Korean War, and served on active duty the during the Vietnam war. He also retired as a command pilot with 3700 flying hours. His WWII time was served in both the Atlantic and Pacific War Zones as a Marine Engineer. In addition to other ribbons, his highest awards were USAF Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and 2 Commendation Medals. He received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022 for his time in the Merchant Marines. He has been a resident of Longview since 1973 and was a member of the First Presbyterian church in Longview. He is survived by his daughters Janet Lindsey and Dale Howell, both of Longview, Dale’s children Kathryn, Brent, and Benjamin, great grandchildren Jacob, Isaac, William, and James, nephews John and his wife Diane Little, Thomas Little and Michael Little. There will be a family directed Celebration of Life service, 10am, Monday, April 15, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church in Longview. Memorials may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, Longview. Janet and Dale would like to express their sincere appreciation to Mrs. Joyce Hugman and to her entire family for the many years they have shared with our father and us. “Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Rader Funeral Home in Longview.

Retired Lt. Col., James Thomas Lindsey, USAF

August 2, 1924 - March 31, 2024