James "Jim" Myrick's Obituary
Funeral services for Retired US Army Command SGM James “Jim” C. Myrick, 86, of Leesville, Louisiana will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 29, 2014, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Leesville. The Burial will follow at the Central LA Veterans Cemetery at Leesville. Visitation will be Monday, September 29th from 9:00 am until service time in the funeral home.
James was born October 19, 1927 the oldest son of Albert M. and Irene Myrick of Jamestown, LA. He graduated from Castor High School. He entered the Merchant Marines upon completion of high school during World War II, After he finished the tour of duty he enlisted in the Army, serving in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He retired in June of 1967. James was one of the fortunate soldiers that made it safely from the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, though not without great difficulty. His legs were damaged so badly that he had to use his rifle as a crutch to walk. James received numerous medals and awards during his military career to mention a few he received three Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars and one Silver Star. After his retirement from the military he was elected as the Silver Haired Senator serving in Washington D. C. and also for Louisiana. He served in that capacity for twenty plus years.
Some of the projects he helped bring to Louisiana were the Veterans Homes in Bossier, Monroe and Jennings and some of the ground work for a veteran’s home in Leesville. He also was very instrumental in getting the Veterans Cemetery in Keithville and Leesville. His efforts earned Jim the moniker “Mr. Veteran”.
He is survived by his wife, Karin Myrick of Leesville; sons Jimmy W. Myrick of TX, Gordon L. Myrick of Leesville and Roy A. Myrick of Arizona; daughters, Dawn L. Ratto of Tracy, CA, Cindy Lynn Presley of Kelseyville, CA, Myra R. Myrick of Lafayette, LA, Gwen Myrick of Athens, LA and Ramona Myrick of Shreveport, LA; Brothers, Lawson Myrick of Shreveport, LA and Albert Myrick of Arcadia, LA; Sisters, Myrtice Dare of Tyler, TX, Bobbie Hataway of Dry Prong, LA and Laura Ann Blackwelder of Castor, LA and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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