James Edward Glass, 93, of Tifton, GA, formerly of Omega, GA, passed away Monday, October 17, 2022. A private family gathering will be held at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals in Tifton, GA followed by a private graveside ceremony at Omega Cemetery with full military honors. The Rev. Kenny Kicklighter will officiate.
Born April 11, 1929, in Accident, Maryland, he was the son of the late Harvey Glass and Virgie Glover Grell. He was a WWII veteran, having been signed into the Army at age 16 by his father in 1945. After training at Fort Mead, Maryland, he was shipped to France and then to Germany. Having served two years in the Army, he later enlisted into the United States Air Force. His career began in the Military Police, and later transferred into Mechanical Accessories, specializing in air conditioning, pressurization, liquid oxygen system, and wing anti-ice systems of the C133 and C130 cargo planes; being nicknamed “Ace” because of his extensive knowledge of the planes. He was also honored with being in charge of the Color Guard for many years, and proudly carried the American Flag during the inauguration parade for President John F. Kennedy, January 20, 1961. During his years of service in the Military, he was decorated with the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the American Campaign Medal, the WWII Victory Medal and the National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, just to name a few. After retiring from the Air Force in 1969, he spent several years painting houses as a private contractor.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Jeanette B. Glass, and grandson, John Edward Krist Wood.
Survivors include his daughters, Judy Darlene Rogers and husband Thom of Callahan, FL, and Janet Leigh Payne and husband Bobby of Tifton, GA; grandchildren, Jodi Erin Piper of Paterson, NJ, Jamy Lauren Champney of Callahan, FL, and Michelle Leigh Sumner of Lawrence, KS; three great-grandchildren, Lauren Tayler Dudley and Maddison Darlene Champney, both of Callahan, FL, and Johnathan Thomas Piper of Jacksonville, FL; and one great-great granddaughter, Alyssa Dudley.
Special thanks to all of the caregivers at Cypress Pond Assisted Living Facility, Karima Laurenceau, for her love and support, not only for our father, but our entire family, and Homestead Hospice for their outstanding care and complete devotion.