CMSgt James E. Pate (USAF Retired), passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021 at his residence in Universal City, Texas. James was born April 17, 1931, son of James M. and Ada (Spain) Pate of Jasper, Alabama. He is proceeded in death by his parents, sisters Earlene Thomason and Maverine Vincent and stepmother Ola (Garrison) Pate. James is survived by his wife of 65 years, Agnes (Frison) Pate; daughter Sharon Lee (Bill), sons Gregory Pate (Melissa) and David Pate (Juanita); grandchildren Craig Lee (JoAna), Brandon Lee (Megan), Eva, Ryan, and Amanda Pate; great-grandchildren Graham, Coleton and Dylan Lee; brother Wayne Pate and sisters Geraldine Bailey, Wanda Sue Griffin and Connie Peoples.
James enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952 during the Korean War and completed his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He served in the United States Air Force 27 years and military civil service 15 years. His military stations were McChord AFB, Tacoma, Washington; Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, Alabama; Eielson AFB, Fairbanks, Alaska; Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, Texas; Nakon Phanom AB, Thailand; Osan AB, Korea; Ramstein AFB, Germany and Randolph AFB, San Antonio, Texas. James retired from the Air Force in 1978. In June 1993 both Agnes and James retired from civil service at Randolph AFB. Combined James and Agnes had over 60 years of service.
All his children graduated from Judson High School, Converse, Texas and Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.
One sport he enjoyed with his family was bowling. When overseas in Germany he joined many leagues and made numerous friends. He would visit the bowling center when arriving at a new base and would run into an old bowling friend from the past. His children and grandchildren began bowling at a young age and during the later years he would organize a family team to enter bowling events. James and Agnes were blessed with a close-knit family that took care of each other and celebrated all special events together. Being in the military, his children did not get to spend much time with their grandparents while growing up. His daughter stated this was not happening to her kids and James and Agnes enjoyed spending quality time with the grandchildren.
James spent half his life in the Air Force, and with his family enjoyed extensive travels throughout the Untied States and several foreign countries. During the Germany assignment he purchased a small camper in Amsterdam Holland and with his family toured all the surrounding countries. After retirement the travels continued by RV and visited several friends they made during his military career. James always claimed the Air Force as his second family and if he ever needed assistance, they would be available. During his isolated tours to Thailand and Korea he made sure his family was located near an Air Force base during his absence, knowing they would be taken care of during emergencies.
He was a member of OLPH Catholic Church in Selma Texas, VFW of Schertz Texas, and Good Sam RV Travel Club.
A visitation for James will be held Tuesday, July 6, 2021 starting at 5:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, Texas 78148, with a Rosary Service to follow. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, July 7, 2021 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 16075 North Evans Road, Selma, Texas 78154. A committal service will occur Wednesday, July 7, 2021 from 1:00 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com for the Pate family.
