Roll Call Tribute

Published in Dallas Morning News on Aug. 16, 2017

James Walston
WALSTON, JR., James Hogg Jim (Sonny) was born January 8, 1923 in Italy, Texas. Jim passed away August 13, 2017. He was the second of three children born to James Hogg Walston, Sr. and Maurine. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, older sister Elaine Brown, wife Glenna, and grandsons Lane Walston Walker and Bo Patrick Walker. He is survived by his younger sister JoAnn Niederer; daughter DiAnn (Boo) Walker; sons and daughters-in-law Danny Walston and wife Loraine, Ron Walston and wife Paula; grandchildren Jeanette Strange and husband Cory, Chase Walker, Jeff Walston, Chris Walston, Michael Walston, Gabie Walston, Erin Duhaime; and great-grandson Colton Strange. Dad's legacy began as a captain of the 1940 Italy Gladiators football team that was undefeated and unscored on. After graduation, he attended a technical school in Fort Worth where he learned aviation mechanics. His father was an airplane mechanic in WWI and Dad developed his interest in planes as a young boy. After finishing technical school, he went to Vernon, Texas, where he worked on PT-19 Trainers. Dad enlisted in the Army Air Force on December 7, 1942, and was sent to Sheppard Field in Wichita Falls, Texas for more training. He was assigned to B-24s with the 8th Air Force, 466th Bomb Group, 786th Squadron, Attlebridge Station (120), England. His plane was the "Laden Maid." His group flew 231 missions between March 22, 1944 and April 25, 1945 including three on D-Day and many to Berlin. Dad received several medals for his service, including the medal of Knight in the French Order of the Legion of Honor in recognition of his contribution to the liberation of France during WWII. Dad settled in Dallas after the war where he met the love of his life, Glenna Jean, at Cliff Temple Baptist Church in 1946. They married at Cliff Temple on December 18, 1948, and enjoyed 67 glorious years together until her passing in 2015. Dad graduated from Texas A&M in 1951 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He joined Chance Vought after graduation and retired after 37 years in the structural test lab. The B-2 Stealth Bomber was his last project before retiring. Dad was a member at Cliff Temple for more than 70 years, serving as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and Usher. He volunteered at Methodist Dallas Hospital for 20 years. He restored planes and helped preserve history with the Vought Retirees Club for 21 years. His aviation career came full circle when he joined the Commemorative Air Force and was able to assist with the CAF's restoration of the B-24 "Diamond Lil." Dad was a loving husband and father who loved the Lord and served Him faithfully. He will be missed by all who knew him. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the team at Faith Presbyterian Hospice for their loving care, support, and friendship. Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., August 17, 2017 at Bassett Chapel, Cliff Temple Baptist Church. Visitation one hour prior to service (10:00 a.m.). Internment: 10:00 a.m., August 18, 2017 at DFW National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cliff Temple, the Vought Heritage Foundation, or the Commemorative Air Force Dallas.





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