James "Corky" McCorquodale

James Oran McCorquodale, known to those closest to him as, "Sonny" or "Corky," was born in Midway, Texas on October 4, 1923. He spent his childhood on his grandparent's farm, learning the value of a good day's work. When he was sixteen, he moved to Conroe, TX and upon graduation from high school, enrolled at Southwestern University.

As Corky worked toward his degree, the war in the Pacific escalated. In 1943, at the age of 21, he set aside his schoolbooks to join his fellow countrymen in the fight, volunteering for the US Navy. He was commissioned at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL, with the rank of Ensign, in March of 1944.

Corky took part in some of the most decisive battles in the Pacific. As Lieutenant on USS LST 449, or "Beach Lizard," he commanded a section of the ship's deck armory and led an LCVP / Higgin's Boat to deliver supplies and pick up wounded soldiers from the beaches at Guam, Iwo Jima and finally Okinawa, where he remained until the war ended.

Upon his return, Corky finished his degree at Southwestern University and met his future wife, Beverly Joyce "Jobo" Hobbs. They were married in Conroe, Texas, on November 8, 1950.

Corky returned to active duty in the US Navy for a second time during the Korean War in 1950, before hanging up his uniform and moving back to Texas to start a career and a family.

Professionally, Corky pursued creative careers as a radio host for "Corky's Kountry Korner" at KMCO in Conroe, a manager at the prominent Austin Club in Austin, TX and eventually as a commercial artist for the Whitley Company, in Austin, TX.

His most important role, however, was as a husband to Jobo, a father to his three children, Jimmy, Kenny and Teresa, and a grandfather to his eight grandchildren. He is predeceased by his grandson, Benjamin Schmidt, who gave his life for his country as a US Marine.

Corky delighted his friends and loved ones with his charm, extreme wit, and generous spirit. On his 90th birthday, he was recognized by the TX Legislature and also received a flag that flew over the State Capitol on Veteran’s Day for his service to his country. Later that year, he went to Washington DC as part of the Austin Honor Flight program. He cherished the trip and experience.

Services will be held Saturday November 7th at 11:00 a.m. at Westover Hills Church, his beloved church home, in Austin, TX. A private graveside ceremony will follow in Conroe, TX. In lieu of flowers, Corky has asked that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America in honor of his wife, Jobo, of 65 years, or the charity of your choice.