Technical Sergeant James L. Touchton

James Luther Touchton of Alexandria passed away Wednesday, Sept 8, 2010 at age 82. Mr. Touchton was born July 3, 1928, in Lowndes County, Georgia. His parents were John A. Touchton, a noted Primitive Baptist minister, and Jessie W. Touchton.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1948, retiring in 1968 with the rank of Tech Sergeant. Early in his career he was stationed in Japan, and was a forward observer at the atomic tests on Eniwetok atoll. His major duty stations included Eglin AFB FL, Clark Field Air Base in the Philippines, Holloman AFB NM, Vietnam [459^th TAS], and England AFB LA.  He received numerous military metals and awards during his career, in which he worked with remote control aircraft, high altitude balloons, and short-field takeoff and landing planes; in Vietnam he worked with the C-7A Caribou aircraft dropping cargo by parachute. He had over 10,000 flying hours.

Mr. Touchton had great skill with anything mechanical. After retirement he worked in the heavy equipment industry, as service manager for M&M Dodge, for Crest-Air at Esler Field, and for the England Jet Center. He worked on aircraft into his 70s, until injury forced his retirement.  He built a home in Alexandria and spent the last decade of his life maintaining his property, helping his family, and keeping up Cloverdale Baptist Church where he served as deacon.

He was a dedicated Christian, and took seriously the words of Jesus: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." Born into the depression, he traveled the world, served his country in war and peace, gave his family a lifetime of love and left them well provided for. He was a member of the Greatest Generation.

He leaves his family with a great sadness at his passing, but great joy at a long life well-lived. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Frances, and his children Jerry and his wife Rita, Eddie, and Donna and her husband Leon. His grandchildren are Donna’s daughters Danielle, Jessica, and Anna Harig, as well as Eddie’s sons John and J.D. Touchton. His great grandchild is Danielle’s daughter Baylie Harig. Pallbearers will be John Touchton, J. D. Touchton, Herbert Boykin, Rick Boykin, Gary McKithern, and Jimmy Howard.

Memorials may be made to Cloverdale Baptist Church, 6200 Skylark Dr., Alexandria, LA 71303, or Gideons International, P. O. Box 7676, Alexandria, LA 71306.