James L. Huston III Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

If you would like to view the service by Livestream please select this link. James Leroy Huston III, 78, of Lilburn, GA died June 2, 2022 due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease caused by Agent Orange. He was born in Camp Hill, AL, June 13, 1943. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances Elizabeth Wood Huston and James Leroy Huston, Jr., and a brother John Edgar Huston. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sara Ruth Lanier Huston; two sons and daughters-in-law: James Michael (Michelle) Huston, Sr.; Ralph Lanier (Joanie) Huston, of Lawrenceville, GA; brother, Michael Wood (Deborah) Huston of Birmingham, AL; sisters-in- law, Martha Louise (Omer) Burnett, Jr, M.D. of Nashville, TN, and Elizabeth Anne (Charles) Lanier of Lilburn, GA; four grandchildren: James Michael Huston, Jr, of Nashville, TN; Lauren Elizabeth Huston (Darian) Bowen, of Dallas, GA; Matthew Robert Huston, of Sandy Springs, GA; Claire Elizabeth Huston, of Lawrenceville, GA; step-grandchildren: Lauren Ane Magana of Sandy Springs, GA; Marissa Michelle Magana of Norcross, GA; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He grew up in Birmingham, AL where he was a 1961 graduate of Woodlawn High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Samford University and a master’s degree from Georgia College. After two years as a teacher, he completed USAF Officer Training School and began a year of pilot training at Williams AFB, AZ. Upon completion in 1969, he was assigned to Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, Vietnam as an O-2 Forward Air Controller, 1970-71. His military career included numerous assignments: T-37 Flight Training Instructor Pilot at Laughlin AFB, Tx; Signals Intelligence Officer at Hahn AFB, West Germany; Intelligence Plans, Programs, Resources and Systems Staff Officer and SAC KC-135 Tanker Pilot at Wurtsmith AFB, MI and Robins AFB, GA; Operations Officer, Robins AFB, GA. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 4 Devices, Distinguished-Presidential Unit Citation with 1 Device, AF Outstanding Unit Award with 3 Devices, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Devices, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, AF Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 4 Devices, AF Reserve Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with 1 Device, and AF Training Ribbon. He retired with rank of Captain in 1988 with 2300 hours flight time. The family moved to Atlanta in 1990. He continued his pilot career in commercial cargo with Southern Air Transport, Express One, and Southern Air Inc, flying Boeing 707, Boeing 727, Lockheed Hercules C- 130, and Boeing 747. He flew many missions in the Middle East in support of US Desert Storm and Gulf War II operations. He was involved with international relief groups doing deliveries and airdrops of food in Somalia, Sudan and 14 other countries. He especially enjoyed his Africa flying, earning the nickname of “Jungle Jim.” He accumulated nearly 10,000 hours of flight time, traveling to 5 continents. He reluctantly retired in 2003 due to FAA age restrictions. Jim was a committed Christian, life-long Baptist and a member of Smoke Rise Baptist Church. During his Air Force years, he was active in churches large and small. In Vietnam, he spent his free time working at the nearby Baptist orphanage. His family often found their church home before they found a house. He was a deacon, a leader in youth and adult ministries, a choir member, and sometimes the music director in small churches. Following his second retirement, he and Ruth became mission volunteers, a goal they had set early in their marriage. He led volunteers in Biloxi, Mississippi rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina and participated in other Mission projects. Jim was a loving Dad to his sons, always teaching by example. They learned to repair, build, and maintain just about everything. He coached and watched their soccer teams, attended their school activities, listened to band and choral performances, and drove endless miles for family vacation and camping trips in the USA and Europe. To the grandchildren he adored, he was the “Papa” who attended their games, swim meets, band concerts, graduations; worked on their cars; and loved taking them on lengthy summer RV trips. The family would like to thank his many health professionals and caregivers, especially those at the Inspiration Unit of Dogwood Forest of Grayson and Bridgeway Hospice. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, Snellville, GA is handling arrangements. The family will receive friends at 10:30 AM prior to the funeral service at 12:00 PM on Monday, June 6 at Smoke Rise Baptist Church, Stone Mountain, GA. Interment will be at Hillcrest Abbey East Memorial Park, Savannah, GA on Wednesday, June 8 at 12:00 PM. Pall bearers are his grandsons and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the World Missions Fund of Smoke Rise Baptist Church, 5901 Hugh Howell Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30087. Due to COVID-19 regulations, our staff is committed to taking care of our guests and families that we serve. We also ask all guests and family members attending visitations and services to please continue social distancing and if desired to bring and wear a mask. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.

James L. Huston III

June 13, 1943 - June 2, 2022