James David Rich

James "Jim" David Rich, 74, a true hero and man of selfless service to our nation, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at a local care center with Parkinson's disease, surrounded by his family. Celebration of life: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12, in the chapel of J.E. Foust & Son Funeral Home, 523 S. Main St., Grapevine. Visitation: Friends are invited to gather 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 11, in the Grand Parlor of J.E. Foust & Son Funeral Home. Memorials: In lieu of customary remembrances, family suggests memorials be made to a local hospice. Jim was born in Daytona, Fla., on April 16, 1941, to Carlton D. Rich and Bessie Virginia Gibbs Rich. He graduated from Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Fla., in 1960. After high school, Jim joined the United States Marine Corps and was accepted into jump school in 1961 and Ranger training in 1962. He received the American Spirit Award following a final ceremony at the Parris Island Marine Corps facility in South Carolina. Jim was named the outstanding man in his platoon and received a meritorious promotion. He then served in Vietnam until receiving an honorable discharge in 1963. Jim served in the Marine Corps Reserves until he re-enlisted in 1966 and went back to continue serving his country in Vietnam. Jim was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of South Vietnam Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia, Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and a Purple Heart. Following his second honorable discharge in 1968, Jim attended Houston Baptist University in Houston and graduated cum laude in 1971. After graduation, Jim joined the United States Secret Service as a special agent, where he provided security for various presidential candidates and foreign dignitaries. He retired from the Secret Service in 1992 and joined the Associates as the director and vice president of corporate security. From 2001 to 2002, Jim served as Citicorp's deputy regional director of corporate security and then completed his career of service with TSA. Jim was known for his family Christmas poems, playing masterful practical jokes and his ability to take rocking in a rocking chair to an Olympic sport level. He could deliver one-liners with a straight face, while making all others in the room laugh hysterically. The family is especially grateful to the wonderful people at Parkwood Health Care and Heart to Heart Hospice for the excellent and loving care they gave to Jim. Semper Fi He was preceded in death by his parents; his adopted parents and in-laws, Pete and Evelyn Moss; and brother-in-law, John Moss of Rome, Italy. Survivors: His loving wife of 48 years, Barbara; children, Jason and Michelle Rich of Euless and Adam and Abby Rich of Waxahachie; and beautiful granddaughters, Jillian, Madelyn and Ella.