James T. Coker, III, 75, of Bronson, passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Jasper.

He was a native Texan, born in Cleveland on Sept. 11, 1946, to James T. and Pauline Coker. His mother always said he was born on Sept. 12, said she was there, and she knew. So, in his true fashion, he celebrated two birthdays. After graduating from Sam Hous

After graduating from Sam Houston University, he joined the United States Air Force and flew as forward air control in Vietnam. Highly decorated, his medals include Distinguished Flying Cross with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with Eleven Oak Leaf Clusters, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, Republic of Korea Order of Military Merit, United States Air Force Commendation Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

He flew B-52's in SAC and was medically retired after an ejection from an OV-10 in 1984. He then worked as a probation officer retiring in 2001.

He told me to write him a nice epitaph and to include that he loved his wife, his dogs, and God. He spent a lifetime hunting anything that walked, crawled, swam or flew. He was a master with his shotgun, routinely shooting doubles and occasionally triples. He was on the same deer lease since 1965 and always filled his tags. He was known for entertaining with his stories and always said "never let the truth get in the way of a good war story." He was a member of Geneva Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Jessie J. of Bronson; sons, James

He is survived by his wife, Jessie J. of Bronson; sons, James T. Coker IV and his wife, Patty, of Seabrook and Stephen Coker of Austin; grandchildren, Peyton and Bailey; brother, Tim, of Trinity; mother-in-law, Mary Hockaday; and brothers-in-laws Terry Hockaday and Jerry Hockaday, all of Arkansas.

Memorial was held May 21, in Starr Funeral Home Chapel, Hemphill, with Bro. Buddy Pratt officiating.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at starrfuneralhome.com.