James Julius Locklerr, 65, of Port Royal died Saturday, July 4, 2009.
Born May 7, 1944, in Graceville, Fla., to the late Samuel E. and Jewel Frances Lockard, James grew up in Frostproof, Fla., and joined the U.S. Army in 1961. He served 20 years and retired as a first sergeant.
During his military career, James served with the 5th Special Forces, 82nd Airborne, 509 Airborne, 1st Division, MACV, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, 2nd Division and 3rd Infantry "Old Guard." His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star for Valor, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, six Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three Campaign Stars, three NCO Professional Development Ribbons, four Overseas Service Ribbons, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Parachutist Badge.
His last four years in the military were spent assigned to Military District of Washington as NCO in charge of planning ceremonies and special events at the White House. James personally advised and cued Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.
After retiring from the Army, he served as a Caroline County deputy sheriff; superintendent of public works in the city of Fredericksburg; superintendent of commercial construction for Beverly and Silver Construction; and manager of Four Winds Golf Club and Resort. For the last 15 years, he served as a range operations officer at Fort A.P. Hill.
James was a member and deacon of Memorial Baptist Church in Port Royal; a member of Kilwinning-Crosse Lodge 2-237 AF&AM, where he served as Worshipful Master in 1987; a longtime member of VFW Post 10295; a member of the Port Royal Ruritan Club and Historic Port Royal; and a friend of St. Peter's Episcopal Church.
James was a quiet man with many accomplishments, but most notably, he was loved and respected by all who knew him.
Survivors include his son, Tim Locklerr and his wife, Tammy, of Woodford; his daughter, Holly Taylor and her husband, Roger Jr., of Ruther Glen; his grandchildren, Monique, Ariel, Trey, Adair and Hunter; his great- grandchildren, Sean and Sophia; his devoted friend, Terri Harrison of Port Royal; his sisters Laverne Kelly of Dothan Ala. and Linda Lavender of Lake Wales, Fla.; his brother, David Lockard of Sebring, Fla.; his brother-in- law, Roy J. Nolin of Sefner, Fla.; and seven nephews and five nieces.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his sister Betty Nolin.
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, in the chapel of Storke Funeral Home, Bowling Green. Burial with military honors will take place in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at the funeral home, with a Masonic service at 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 AC Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville, Fla. 32256.
Sign the register book online at storkefuneral home.com.