James T. Coker, III, 75, of Bronson, Texas passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2022 in Jasper, Texas.

Jim was a Native Texan, born in Cleveland on 11 September 1946 to James T. and Pauline Coker.  His mother always said he was born on 12 September, said she was there and she knew.  So, in true Jim fashion, he celebrated two birthdays.

After graduating from Sam Houston University, Jim joined the United States Air Force and flew as Forward Air Control in Viet Nam.                Highly decorated, his medals include Distinguished Flying Cross with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with Eleven Oak Leaf Clusters, Republic of Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, Republic of Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, Republic of Korea Order of Military Merit, United States Air Force Commendation Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

Captain Coker flew B-52's in SAC and was medically retired after an ejection from an OV-10 in 1984.  Jim then worked as a Probation Officer retiring in 2001.

Jim told me to write him a nice epitaph and to include that he loved his wife, his dogs, and God.  Jim spent a lifetime hunting anything that walked, crawled, swam or flew.  He was a master with his shotgun, routinely shooting doubles and occasionally triples.  He was on the same deer lease since 1965 and always filled his tags. He was known for entertaining with his stories and always said "never let the truth get in the way of a good war story".

Jim is survived by his wife, Jessie J of Bronson; sons, James T. Coker IV and his wife, Patty, of Seabrook and Stephen Coker of Austin; grandchildren, Peyton and Bailey; brother, Tim, of Trinity, Texas; mother-in-law, Mary Hockaday and brothers-in-laws Terry Hockaday and Jerry Hockaday, all of Arkansas.

Jim was a member of Geneva Baptist Church.

Memorial services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022 in Starr Funeral Home Chapel, 510 Starr Street, Hemphill, Texas with Bro. Buddy Pratt officiating.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to service.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at starrfuneralhome.com.