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James Cleburne "Jim" Houston, Sr., age 91, passed away October 15, 2011 at the Texas State Veterans Home in Temple, TX. He was born on June 28, 1920 in San Antonio, TX to Robert Cleburne and Mary Ellen Blackmon Houston. He was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces serving as a bombardier in the South Pacific during WWII. He was awarded the Air Medal, a Unit Citation, and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars.
Jim was an award-winning photographer known for his exceptional scenic photography. He received his first camera at the age of 8 and was taking photos with his new digital camera at 90. He was a 1938 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, where he served as assistant to renowned photographer Fritz Henle who was shooting a cover story there for Life Magazine. In the 1960s, Jim was Director of Photography for two motion pictures filmed in San Antonio.
Jim had a lifelong interest in woodworking, carpentry, model airplanes and electronics. He was a charter member of the Alamo Radio Control Society. After the war, he worked for the Bell Telephone Company. He studied electronics and operated Jefferson TV Repair during the 1950s. Later, he owned and operated Dell-Tex Vending Company, and was a store manager for Studer's Photos, Inc. After retirement, he ran a successful computer sales and software company.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Mary Mackey Houston. He is survived by his children, James Houston, Jr., Elizabeth Houston Patranella, Roberta Houston Young; stepdaughter Alice Mackey Brandt; 6 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at 8:15 a.m. with funeral service at 8:30 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with Military Honors.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 23, 2011
Lovey Deuley
I knew Jim and Mary from Studers. I started there in 1961 and new them many years. They were such a lovely couple. Jim and Mary are missed. I'm sorry for your loss.
October 22, 2011
Mary Nicholson Wilkins
Liz, Roberta & Butch
So sorry to hear of your father's passing. I remember him as always being busy with one thing or another - and that he had a kind and loving spirit. I baby-sat for all you kids when our family lived in the neighborhood - next door on Mardell then on El Monte. Your mother Helen was a good friend to me, and she & Jim were so helpful to all our family.
love
Mary Nicholson Wilkins
October 21, 2011
Carolyn Nicholson Dunkin
Liz, Roberta and James - many of our childhood memories are of our next door neighbors on Mardell, the Houstons. I don't remember knowing about your dad's military service and the bronze stars and am proud of his service to our country as you must be. You have been blessed to have him for so long as we have been with our mother (having just celebrated her 99th yesterday). God bless you all and may you keep him with you in happy memories through generations to come.
October 20, 2011
Liz, Roberta, and James, so sorry to hear about your Dad passing. You were our next door neighbors on Mardell and your Dad was always very nice to us and a hard working guy. Jo Nicholson
October 20, 2011
Beth Warren
To Liz, Roberta and your families - all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Take Care,
October 20, 2011
I have fond memories of your dad. He gave me my first job at Studers in San Antonio (1972). I will always remember Mary and Jim as great role models in business and friendship. My sincere sympathy for your loss. Dora Haynes (San Antonio,TX)
October 20, 2011
Sara Hutchins Bunch
It has been such a pleasure knowing my dear friend Liz's father over the last 40+ years. I'll always remember his loving personality and dedication to his family. He is now reunited with Mary, and all of those he loved who passed before him. May he rest in peace.
October 20, 2011
It has been such a pleasure knowing my dear friend Liz's father over the last 40+ years. I'll always remember his loving personality and dedication to his family. He is now reunited with Mary, and all of those he loved who passed before him. May he rest in peace.
Sara Hutchins Bunch (San Antonio, TX)
October 19, 2011
Liz & Family, Roberta & Family,
I enjoyed our visits to their lovely home full of warmth and fun. Your Papa was a Treasure.
We send our love and prayers, Jane & Michael Downer
October 19, 2011
Jeff and Anna Steele
Roberta,
We are so sorry for your loss. We salute and thank Mr. Houston for his service to our country.
October 19, 2011
Caroline Ruiz
Roberta - Please accept my sincere sympathy on the passing of your dad. I remember you always speaking so fondly of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
October 19, 2011
Wynn Davis
Roberta and Liz,
Your daddy was such a sweet little man who loved you two girls so very much. He lived a very full and long life and you were so lucky to have him for so long. I know that you both will miss him very much, but I hope that you are comforted in knowing that he is in a much better place now. My prayers and thoughts go out to you both and your entire family.
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Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218
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