Jim Underwood

LTC (ret.) O.J. “Jim” Underwood, aged 91, died peacefully at home Tuesday, November 2, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born in Centerville Station-East St. Louis, IL, June 16, 1930 the son of the late Harry Julian and Edna (Johnson) Underwood.

He enlisted in the US Army in 1947 and retired in 1969 at the rank of Lt. Colonel serving in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. His many commendations included Gallantry Cross with Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Air Medals with Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

After retiring from military service where he lived in Japan, Europe and many US states, he moved to Texas and settled in Austin where he lived with Glynda and raised his family over the next 51 years. He was a long-time member and avid golfer at Balcones Country Club. He made many life-long friends and Jim was well known for leading the golfing group “The Gaggle.”

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Glynda, son Steve (Janet) Underwood, daughters Cheryl (Steve) Guderian, and Babette (Underwood) Richter, daughter-in-law Charlotte Underwood (Andy Smith). Grandchildren Nicole (Josh) Austin, Michelle (Donnie) Koss, Michael (Sara) Underwood, Chelsie (Jeff) Hudson, Alex, Rachel and Brock Hennig, William, Sarah and Jacquelyn Richter. Great grandchildren Bailey and Hayden Austin, Ellie and George Koss, Kyle, Claire, Kayla, and Brielle Underwood, Layla and Jett Hudson. His brother Roland Underwood, sister Judy Larkins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, infant sisters Dorothy, Beulah, and brothers Franklin and Harry, Jr., his wife and mother of his children Jeanne (Larson) and his son Dale Michael Underwood.

A celebration to honor Jim will be held at Cook Walden Chapel of the Hills, Thursday, November 18, 2021. Visitation with the family beginning at 12:00 noon followed by the celebration service at 1:00pm. Internment with full military honors Friday, November 19, 2021, 1:00pm at Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery. Those joining the family for internment are requested to park in Lane 1.

Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com for the Underwood family. In lieu of flowers, donations can me made to the American Cancer Society or Central Texas Food Bank.