Jimmy York

Jimmy L. York

86, of Fort Smith died Saturday, May 8, 2010. He was born March 23, 1924 in Okmulgee, OK., the son of the late James L. York and Jewell (Braden)York. He graduated high school at the age of sixteen in Morton, Texas . He attended Texas Tech University before enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1942. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant as a pilot in 1944. He began serving in the China-Burma-India Theater, flying the B-24 over the Himalayas (The Hump). He flew 415 hours combat and was awarded the Distinguishes Flying Cross, Air Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, World War II Victor Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. After the war, Mr. York opened a retail grocery store in Lincoln, AR. for twenty years and after moving to Fort Smith in 1964 , he was employed at Randall Ford where he became General Manager. He continued to fly in the Air National Guard with the 188th, until his retirement as Major. There is a World War II display of Mr. York in the Air-Museum located in the Fort Smith Airport. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Theda, two daughters, Janelle and husband Jim Berry of Las Cruses, New Mexico and Debra and husband Mike Hudson of Essex Junction, Vermont, two step-sons, Glenn Braly and his wife Kathy and Paul Braly and his wife Judy both of Lincoln, AR., four grandchildren two step-grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Dr. Lyndal York of Little Rock, two sisters, Lynne Alexander of Mulberry, AR. and Karen Wiggins of Denton, Texas. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith, AR. Officiated by Reverend H.C. Varnadore. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith, AR.with interment at The U.S. National Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers will be members of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association 320 N. Greenwood Ave Fort Smith, AR. 72901.