Roll Call Tribute

James Furner Ulmer

August 29, 1927 - October 5, 2022

James Furner Ulmer was born August 29, 1927 in Crescent, Oklahoma to Harold F. and Effie C. Ulmer. Soon after Jim’s birth, the family moved to Texas in search of a better life and work in the newly emerging oil fields, eventually settling in East Texas in and around the community of Kilgore. During his teens, Jim worked hard at many jobs, laying pipe, working on oil rigs and other physical labor in Texas and surrounding states.

After graduating from Carlisle High School, Jim became the first in his family to attend college. This achievement led to his lifelong connection with Texas A&M University. As a proud member of the Aggie Corp of Cadets, Jim majored in Civil Engineering and played clarinet in the Aggie Band. During his time at A&M, Jim made friends that he would keep for the rest of his life and he continued to return to College Station for Homecomings and reunions and rarely missed watching Aggie football. Daddy proudly wore his Aggie class ring for the rest of his life.

Jim’s time at A&M was interrupted in 1945 when, upon turning 18, he left school to join the Navy and serve his country at the end of World War II. He was stationed at Naval Base San Diego as a Fireman Second class and served on the USS Libra and the USS Birmingham until honorably discharged in August of 1946. After his separation from the Navy, Jim returned to A&M on the GI Bill and graduated with the Class of 1948.

To fulfill his military obligation for the GI Bill, Jim entered the Air Force in April of 1951 and was posted to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. This posting would have enormous impact on the rest of his life. Working as a civil engineer, Jim worked on radar and air traffic control construction projects for the Alaska division of the Army Corps of Engineers. It was in Alaska that he fell in love with aviation and learned to fly. Jim loved flying and would maintain his pilot’s license and continue this hobby into his seventies.

In 1952, Jim met Phyllis Gilpin who was the daughter of the Director of the Alaska division of the Army Corps of Engineers. Phyllis had just graduated from the University of Washington and was living with her parents near the base. Jim and Phyllis were married in January of 1953 in the chapel of Elmendorf Air Force base. Their marriage license was issued by the “Territory of Alaska.”

Jim was discharged from the Air Force in February of 1953 with a rank of 1st Lieutenant. Jim and Phyllis moved to Texas where Jim eventually went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration where he would work for over 30 years. During this time, they would live in several cities in Texas as well as Albuquerque and, finally, Denver. Jim and Phyllis had two daughters, Karen and Linda and filled their time with family and friends. They loved to dance, both square dancing and ballroom dancing and played tennis, and lots of bridge. Jim loved all kinds of music and especially country music.

After Jim retired from the FAA, he went back to work for a few years in the private sector as a consultant for a construction company that was building airway facilities for the new Denver International Airport. He felt very proud of the role he played in this important project. When he finally retired completely, he and Phyllis filled their time travelling, dancing, and playing bridge. Both Jim and Phyllis developed an interest in genealogy, spent time building their family trees and even travelled to Europe and many places in the US visiting ancestral villages and homes. They also continued to be involved with the St. Stephens Episcopal Church family.

Jim’s favorite activities both before and after Phyllis’ death revolved around their children and grandchildren. Jim was very proud of all his children and grandchildren and was a tireless supporter of all the kid’s activities. He was thrilled to become a great-grandfather, twice, in 2021. And, even though he was a notoriously frugal man, he was endlessly generous with his family, always prioritizing their needs above his own.

Jim was a loving caregiver to Phyllis during her tough illness and cared for her at home until her death in 2006. During his time after her death, he continued to carry on with many of the activities they enjoyed together. Even though he had many health challenges in the past few years, he continued to be active and never complained. He continued to stay engaged and focused on his family who will miss him every day.