James H Lamphier Jr.

Sir Knight, SMSgt. James H. Lamphier, Jr., 83, of Wichita Falls, left this life and went to be with the Lord on April 14, 2011. Funeral Services will be held at Hampton Vaughan Funeral Home chapel at 3:00 PM, Monday, April 18, 2011, Deacon Larry Bills officiating. Interment will follow at Crestview Memorial Park under the auspices of the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 6:30 Sunday evening at the funeral home .

Jim was born October 11, 1927 in Stokes, NY. He attended school in Oneida, Camden and Rome, NY. In August, 1948, he married Ernestine M. Baier in Kaufbeuren, Germany. Together they built a home and family filled with love.

Jim enlisted in the Army-Air Force and retired after 22 years of service to our country in August, 1969. He was a veteran of WW II, Korea and Southeast Asia and also saw service in North Africa, Italy, Austria, Germany, Thailand and various states within the U. S. During his service career, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with four bronze loops, WW II Victory Medal, Occupation Medal in Germany with Berlin air lift device, Medal for Humane Action, National Defense Medal with one bronze star, Korean Campaign Medal with three bronze stars, Korean Defense Service Medal, Marksman Ribbon, Long and Short Tour Ribbons, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars, Air Force Longevity with oak leaf clusters, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and United Nations Medal. He was a life member of the VFW Post 8878, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1473, serving as Trustee and Grand Knight, K of C Council 10998 Sacred Heart, member of the 4th Degree Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Assembly 1108, serving as Faithful Pilot, Captain, Navigator and Trustee. He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Ernestine; four brothers, Lester, Clarence, William and Carl Lamphier; sister, Louella and his parents, James H. Lamphier, Sr. and Eva Baker Lamphier. Survivors are two daughters, Deborah Burlison and husband, Lannis and Monika Gregg and husband, David, all of Wichita Falls; brothers, Richard Lamphier of Lake George, NY and Paul Lamphier of Wyoming; sister, Carol Beckwith of Ava, NY; three grandchildren, Megan Lewis and husband, Jason of Plano, and Matthew and Garrett Gregg of Wichita Falls. Jim loved his family and friends and will be missed by all. The family expresses sincere gratitude to the doctors and nurses who cared for him at URHCS, The Windmill Rehab. and Texas Specialty Hospital.

For those desiring, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of choice.