James E. Houser

SMSgt James Edward Houser, (ret), aged 88 years, known to his wife as Jim, passed into his savior’s arms, Jesus Christ, on the 23rd of January 2018 in Iron River, MI at his family’s home (Joe and Joyce Rankin). Jim was born and raised in Washington, D.C. on August 13, 1929. He was a 30 year Veteran of the Air Force, who enlisted at the age of 17 in 1946, when the Air Force was then the Army Air Corps. After basic, he was in Engineering and Construction, serving in Japan. When the AAC became the Air Force, Jim moved into Administration and Logistics and was assigned to the Pentagon, where he met his wife of 67 years, Augusta Houser, who was a six year Veteran of World War II, then serving at the Pentagon. Over the next 30 years, Jim served throughout the United States and Europe, moving his family every one to two years. He was chosen for the NCO Academy; counseled young military men, served in the Korean War, flew with bombers and transports, volunteered and served for two tours of duty in Vietnam, with the full support of his wife and family. From his family: Our Dad was a remarkable man who, while serving his country and raising a family, went back to school to obtain his high school diploma; also obtained a four year degree in business and on to his Master’s Degree. Dad had a wonderful sense of humor and filled our home with life. He and our mother were a team to the end and displayed unconditional love through life’s difficulties and struggles. Dad was always the gentleman and though he was a boxer in the military, he had a gentleness toward our Mom that served as quite an example to my brothers and I. Dad loved to be with his family and loved his country. He enjoyed playing golf, watching football, camping, hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities. Dad had a way of making people feel better about themselves and was always an encourager. We have no words to describe how much he will be missed! Jim is survived by his sons, James E. Houser, Jr (daughter-in-law Robin, granddaughter Veronica, grandson Ethan) of Washington state; son, Richard A. Houser (daughter-in-law Jenni) of Colorado; son, Lance B. Houser (daughter-in-law Michele, granddaughter Courtney) of Oahu, HI; and daughter Joyce H. Rankin (son-in-law Joe, grandson Ben and his wife Erin of Savannah, GA, grandson Dan and great grandchild Seth of Michigan, grandson Joe Jr. of Iron River, MI); sister, Louella Houser of Washington, D.C.; brother-in-law, Robert Valentyn (sister-in-law Janet) and multiple nieces and nephews. Private family services will he held. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James E. Houser, please visit our flower store.