Memorials › James Orlan "Jim" Belknap Jr
James Orlan "Jim" Belknap Jr
16 Jun 1927 – 16 Feb 2015
| Birth | 16 Jun 1927 |
| Death | 16 Feb 2015 |
| Cemetery | Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery Dallas , Dallas County , Texas , USA |
| Added by | Donna T. B. on 28 Feb 2015 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/142888080 |
Bio
After 87 years of working hard to provide for his family, Jim Belknap peacefully welcomed his well-earned eternal rest on February 16, 2015, at Heritage Place Nursing Home in Mesquite, Texas. He died in his sleep, without suffering and with the certainty he would be greeted in Heaven by his Lord, Jesus Christ; his son, Ricky Belknap; his brother, Robert Belknap; and many other loved ones. James Orlan Belknap, Jr. was born June 16, 1927, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the oldest son of James Orlan Belknap, Sr. and Donna Merritt. Raised by his great-grandparents, James and Alma Merritt, during the Great Depression, he learned early on the value of hard work. After graduating high school and completing some college courses, Jim enlisted in the National Guard in 1945. He then went on to join the United States Air Force, which led to stations in Shreveport, Louisiana; Lubbock, Texas; San Antonio, Texas; Montgomery, Alabama; and Illinois. He completed medical training in Alabama, serving as a medic at Lackland and Reese Air Force Bases. It was his service in Lubbock, Texas, that changed the course of his life. Arriving in uniform from Reese Air Force Base at a bus station in Lubbock, Texas, he spotted a beautiful girl waiting to board her bus back home to Shallowater, Texas. Their short conversation led to many bus rides – and even hitchhiking – to visit Shallowater to see her again. After a few short months, Jim married the love of his life, Audrey Louise Ingram, on May 2, 1949, in Clovis, New Mexico. Jim and Louise had four children, Nedra Lee (1950), Stormy Dee (1951), Ricky Royce (1953-2011) and Mark Alan (1957). Jim left the Air Force in 1953, shortly before the birth of his son Ricky. In 1963, the family moved to Mesquite, Texas, where they made their home. Jim provided for his family as a flour mill worker and truck driver. He was a fan of all sports, especially baseball, and he played baseball for Gross Road Baptist Church for many years. He served as a volunteer firefighter in Idalou, Texas. In his later years, he enjoyed woodworking and gardening. His greatest joy, however, came from his family. Jim is survived by his wife, Louise Belknap; his sister, Nellie Irene Tripp; his children, Nedra Belknap, Stormy Rouse (Willie), Mark Belknap (Betty) and daughter-in-law Donna Belknap; his five grandchildren, Stacey Westbrook (Steve), Christopher McBay, Mandee Cloud, Destiny Varghese (Josh), and Sean Belknap (Hillary); his seven great-grandchildren, Kristina Brawner, Steven Westbrook, Magan Westbrook (Melissa), Heather Carpenter, Tiffany Carpenter, Haylee Ramos, and Adair Varghese; and his four great-great grandchildren, Aidan and Sarah Brawner, Olivia Ramos, and Grayson Westbrook.
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