James Homer Koonce, age 80, resident of Sulphur, La. went to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 22, 2018. James was born on Nov. 2, 1937 in Muskogee, Ok. to James Leonard and Bettie Koonce. James loved his Lord, his family and his church. He enjoyed reading and fellowshipping with his Christian friends.
James served for 30 years in Public Education. He taught 3rd-9th grade, Asst. Principal, Elementary Principal, Personnel Director, and retired as an Asst. Superintendent.
He retired from the U.S. Air Force after 30 years. He began his career as an airborne radio operator at Chennualt AFB in Lake Charles, La. He continued his career for 26 years in the active reserves in the 307th RED HORSE CIVIL ENGNEERING SQUADRON and retired as a Chief Master Sargent.
James is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 59 years, Mary Claudette Courtney Koonce; son, Dr. Danny Koonce of Fort Worth, Tx.; daughter, Donna Kaye Koonce of LaPorte, Tx.; daughter, Diane Hubert and husband, Charlie Hubert of Spring Hill, Tn.; three grandchildren, Steele Koonce of Fort Worth, Tx, Courtney and Grayson Hubert of Spring Hill, Tn.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, June 24, 2018 at Hixson Funeral Chapel in Lake Charles. Rev. Greg Bath and Rev. Steve James will officiate. A military graveside honor and burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery in Lake Charles. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday and from 12:30 p.m. until time of service on Sunday. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com
