James Eugene Baratta

On March 1, 2019, MGySgt James "Jim" Eugene Baratta, United States Marine Corp (USMC), Retired, passed away due to natural causes in Lewisville, Texas at the age of 88. Jim was born on August 24, 1930 in Somerville, MA, where he resided until he graduated from Somerville High School and joined the USMC in 1948, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam wars.

During the course of his career as a Marine, Jim earned numerous awards, medals and service recognitions. Accolades included 4 Air Medals, Marine Corp Combat Infantry Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Naval Unit Citation, 7 Good Conduct Medals, 2 National Defense Medals, Korean Service Medal, 3 Combat Stars for Vietnam Service, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, United Nations Service Medal and Vietnamese Service Medals.

Jim was preceded in death, by his wife of 49 years, Shirley Rae Baratta on December 30, 2005; his daughter MSGT Andrea Lynn Houser, USAF, Retired, November 5, 2015; and siblings Edmond Baratta, Irene Holmes, Robert Baratta, Eleanor Cantwell and Alfred "Al" Baratta.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him including his children Tina Conrad of Massachusetts, Lisa Albright and her husband, Leonard Albright of Texas; brother John Baratta of Massachusetts and sister-in-law Rita Baratta of Massachusetts; grandchildren Christopher Quevedo and his wife Courtney, Daylon R. Pritts, J. Alexander Albright, Taylor R. Pritts, Amanda M. Albright and Megan M. Pritts; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

There will be a graveside service, with full military honors, at 9:30 am on March 8th at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter 3. All are welcome to join us in saying farewell.