Roll Call Tribute

Published in Shreveport (LA) Times from June 26 to June 27, 2012

James McMichael Sr.
James C. McMichael, Sr.

James C. McMichael, Sr. passed away on June 24, 2012 at the age of 88. A visitation will be held at Osborn Funeral Home in Shreveport on Tuesday, June 26, from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 27 at 2 p.m., officiated by Rev. Bill Blakeley, at the Osborn Funeral Home Chapel. After the funeral service, graveside services will be held at the I.O.O.F Cemetery in Carthage, TX beginning at 4 p.m.

The McMichael family pillar, Mac was a proud man who never met someone who wasn't worth his time. Mac appreciated the human spirit and gave every person he met the chance to prove themselves without judgment or preconception. His kindness, loyalty, and his devotion to family and to his country will be what his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless friends will remember and cherish for years to come.

Mac was born in Carthage, Tex. on Jan. 19, 1924 to Elizabeth and J.C. McMichael. He attended Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Army Corps; he carried his Aggie pride with him throughout his life. In 1942, Mac enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Army Air Corps where he was trained as a combat-aircraft pilot. His time in the Air Corps, and his knowledge and appreciation of the P-51 Mustang Fighter, the aircraft he flew most often as an Air Corps member, was unmatched and was the content of many stories that were enjoyed by his family and friends.

During his service, Mac was stationed in Phoenix, Ariz., where he met his first wife, Nancy Frew. Nancy and Mac were married for 51 years, and Mac's love of Nancy was never lost; he spoke of her often, always with longing, appreciation and admiration. Together they had two sons, Jim and John, who Mac would brag on to anyone who would listen.

Among his many blessings was his second wife, Lynn McGuirt. Mac and Lynn shared love, many similar interests and her company was always enjoyed. He was very lucky to have two wonderful women throughout his life.

Mac was employed at the L.E. Meyers Co. for over thirty years, but it was his farm in East Texas that became his true passion. His work at the farm was never done, and that's exactly how he liked it. His farm was his sanctuary, his favorite place to entertain friends and family, and the source of many of his most cherished memories.

Mac enjoyed being social with family and friends. He loved dinner parties, family reunions and church activities. He was happiest when surrounded by his family, being entertained by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He had many names-Mac, Jimmie, Dad, Papaw-but to meet him was to know him, and to know him was to love him. He was solid, strong, proud, loyal and unchanging. He loved his family, his friends, his farm and his country, and he will be missed greatly, but also greatly remembered.

Mac was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and J.C. McMichael; his first wife, Nancy Frew McMichael; and his second wife, Evelynn Stuart McGuirt McMichael. He is survived by two sons, James C. McMichael, Jr. of Shreveport and John Frew McMichael of Arlington, Tex.; grandchildren Lee McMichael Fischer and her husband Raymond, Nancy Jane Karam and her husband David, Emily McMichael Bennett and her husband Derek, James Clinton McMichael, and Maggie McMichael Herndon and her husband Myles; great-grandchildren Fahy Karam and Oliver Herndon, who always brought a smile to his face.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Ball, Derek Bennett, Dave Favor, Raymond Fischer, Myles Herndon, David Karam, and James McMichael.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Mac's lifelong friends Al Gondran, Jim Harper, Robert Hope, Murdock Horn and Bill Page.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, or the charity of their choice .