Retired USAF Chief Master Sergeant James Leonard “Jim” Harrell of Burnet passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 23, 2021, at age 79. He was born on Veterans Day November 11, 1941, in Hartsville, Darlington County, South Carolina to Leonard Alvin Harrell and Margaret Bryant Harrell.
Jim entered the U.S. Air Force in July 1960 at Randolph Air Force Base San Antonio and retired at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. During his 28 years, 2 months, and 27 days of service to his Country he received numerous decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons and during that time served as an administration manager, administration superintendent, military training instructor, and administration technician. His last duty assignment was with the Air Force Military Training Center (ATC).
Jim was a Charter and Life Member of VFW Post 6012 in San Antonio, Life Member of the Air Force Sergeants Association and Air Force Associations, both located in Washington, D.C. He also was a Life Member of the Texas Disabled Veterans Association and was a member of the Texas Sheriff’s Association.
Jim was a member of Triune Masonic Lodge # 15 AF & AM in San Antonio, was a 32nd degree Mason in the San Antonio Scottish Rite, and belonged to the Alzafar Shrine also in San Antonio.
He loved listening to George Strait and even spent over 18 years with his group driving a bus for him.
Jim enjoyed all sports, and after moving to Burnet a few years ago, loved being near his grandkids and watching them grow and watching all the sporting activities they were involved in. He found great enjoyment going to his house in Rockport and the time he was able to spend there with his family and friends.
Surviving family include his daughter Tammye Oakley and husband George of Burnet and grandchildren Danielle and Gavin Oakley. Also surviving are his brother Robert A. Harrell and wife Leanna of Devine, nieces Stephanie Stratton and husband Steven, Krystal Harrell, Ashley Harrell and husband Joey, and Tiffany Mason and husband David, and uncle Wylie Harrell and wife Frankie. He also leaves an extended family who will miss him as well. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew Robert Leonard Harrell.
A visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday afternoon August 29 from 5 to 7 at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet. The funeral service will be conducted on Monday August 30 at 1 pm at the funeral home with Minister Tim Denton officiating. Military honors and interment will follow at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park. Pallbearers named were George Oakley, Mark Michalk, James Oakley, Clint Dickens, Joey Chavarria, and Alan Snider.
Memorial contributions in memory of Jim should be made to the Hill Country Community Foundation.
Fond memories and condolences to the family may be offered to www.clementswilcoxburnet.com
Arrangements entrusted to Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home Burnet, Texas.
