Vincent, James Arnold

James Arnold Vincent, 79, a devoted father and patriot, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2006, in Fort Worth.

Funeral: 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church. Rosary: 7 p.m. Friday at the church.

Memorials: Flowers are welcomed by the family and friends, though Mr. Vincent would have been honored by gifts to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or the Heifer Project.

James was born Aug. 9, 1926, in Clarksburg, W.Va. At age 17, he heard the call of duty and left the seminary to join the U.S. Army. He saw his first action in World War II at the battle of Okinawa, where he received the Bronze Star with valor for heroic and meritorious achievement. He retired from military service in 1967 after attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. His next tour of duty was in occupied Germany, where he met his wife of 55 years. After completing officer candidate school, he served with the 55th quartermaster in the Korean War, receiving the Korean Defense Medal, the Republic Medal and the U.N. Service Medal. His other tours included postings in Germany, Saudi Arabia and various assignments throughout the United States. He was most honored to receive the Legion of Merit and National Defense Service Medal with two oak leaves.

In civilian life, his keen sense of logistics and administration were appreciated by his employers, including the District of Columbia, Marriott and Frito-Lay, from which he retired as national distribution manager. He supported numerous civic and not-for-profit organizations. He was a passionate intellectual who was renowned for his sense of duty, honor, loyalty and strict code of ethics. Though he was a man of many talents and accomplishments, his sense of justice and compassion led him to support and encourage everyone he met with dignity and respect. Full military history will be posted at the Veteran's Project.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Ingeborg; son, James; and daughter, Christina.

Survivors: Daughters, Stephanie Vincent and Denise Vincent; and grandson, Nathan Faz.

Published in the Star-Telegram on 6/30/2006.