Major General James D. Isaacks, Jr. (Jim) was born on August 30, 1922, and passed away on January 5, 2026, at the age of 103. His life was a beautiful example of unwavering devotion to God, country, and family.
Jim was born in Waco to James D. Isaacks, Sr. and Ina Jones Isaacks, and soon after, his family moved to Houston. They continued to visit relatives in Waco where Jim became friends with a neighborhood boy whose younger sister often tagged along. One day Jim bought her a soda because she was thirsty and had no money; this was during the Depression. On subsequent visits to Waco, he looked for her family, but they had moved. He never forgot that little girl.
Jim grew up in Houston, graduated from Kinkaid Academy and entered Baylor University in 1940. He loved Baylor and participated in student organizations, played football, and ran track where his 4x400 relay team recorded the best time in the nation. His college years were interrupted, however, when the United States entered World War II.
Jim enlisted in the Army Air Corps and after training at Ellington Field, he was stationed in Norwich, England, with the 458th Bomb Group of the 8th Army Air Corps. A navigator on B-24 bombers, Jim flew 36 combat missions and additional missions in British Mosquitos. He even volunteered for an extra tour out of a sense of duty.
After the war, Jim returned to Baylor, where he spotted a beautiful coed crossing campus who seemed familiar. He asked if they had met before, and she quickly dismissed his question as a clichéd flirtation. But he was right! She was the little girl from Waco he had never forgotten. Nancy Cranford became his wife on May 26, 1946, beginning a 70-year marriage.
Jim was recalled to active duty during the Korean conflict and later served with distinction in the Air Force Reserve, including an appointment to the Pentagon. He earned both the Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Service Medal during this time. Alongside his military duties, he built a successful business career with Pepsi Cola and later as President of Delaware Punch. Faith and service remained central as he volunteered as a church deacon and university trustee.
After retiring from both the Air Force and business, Jim became a realtor, finally retiring for good at age 87. He accomplished so much, but his greatest joy was always his marriage and his family. Therefore, life after Nancy’s death was the hardest challenge he faced. Determined to stay busy at age 94, he learned to play bridge, gave pickleball a try, took dancing lessons and visited family. He was always young at heart and had a natural curiosity. He could relate to all ages and he enjoyed having conversations and understanding points-of-view different from his own. An avid reader, Jim analyzed relationships between current events and history and read his Bible daily. He believed in staying active and maintained an exercise regimen. His birthday phone calls to every family member were legendary; he would sing the Birthday song with funny and sweet lyrics personalized for each recipient. Family members have carefully saved recordings of those treasured songs so they will be able to hear Jim’s voice for years to come.
Jim always said he had a wonderful life and the love of a great family. We take comfort in knowing that God has welcomed him as a faithful servant after a job well done, and that he is now reunited with his beloved Nancy.
Jim is survived by five children, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, a family he knew would both honor and amplify the rich legacy of his faith, optimism, and love.
He is preceded in death by his wife Nancy, his parents, his sister, Lynn Isaacks Darden (husband Bob).
He is survived by children, Janey Fallen and husband Steve, John Isaacks, Jim Isaacks, Lynn Isaacks, Molly Ferguson and husband, Buddy; grandchildren, Nancy Fallen and husband, Corey Kershaw, Stuart Fallen and wife, Susan, Katie Murray and husband, Steven, Lizzie Ferguson, James Ferguson and wife, Kaitlin, Mary Ferguson, Marilyn Isaacks and husband, Ben; and great-grandchildren, Sydney and Andy Fallen, Eleanor Kershaw, Drew, Annie and James Murray, and Mason Ferguson.
Visitation will be held February 7, 2026, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemetery Dominion, followed by an 11:00 a.m., graveside service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to:
Baylor University- James D. and Ina Jones Isaacks Scholarship Fund, bbis.baylor.edu
Or Check: Baylor University (Please note: James D. and Ina Jones Isaacks Scholarship Fund),
Baylor University
Attn: Molly Ferguson
Assistant Vice President for Parent and Family Giving
University Advancement
One Bear Place #97340
Waco, TX 76798
