James Neal Kimbrell

James N. Kimbrell passed away peacefully at home on Monday November 30th, 2015 in San Angelo, Texas. A memorial service will be held, to honor his memory, on Saturday 12th of December, 11AM at Freedom Fellowship, 342 S. Chadbourne Street, San Angelo, Texas 76903. His grandson-in-law, Pastor Brien Toombs of Abilene will be delivering the service. James Kimbrell was born in Carrizozo, Lincoln County, New Mexico to Albert and Adeline Kimbrell on October 12, 1935. He grew up as a farm boy in Picacho, New Mexico graduating from Hondo Valley High School at the age of 16 on May 9, 1952. He earned his school letter in band as a trumpet player, was a Hondo High Fiesta Dancer, member of the 4H club, Hondo Athletic Club and President of his senior class. Upon graduation he earned the prestigious Ford Scholarship to attend the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque. At age 18, on September of 1954 James joined the United States Air Force. He completed his college studies, graduating from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies and Education. On October 4th 1958 James married the lovely Mary Lou Nieto of Roswell, New Mexico at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Roswell. She would be his spouse and love of his life, till the end of time. Already fluent in Spanish, the Air Force quickly recognized James' talent for languages. As he entered the Air Force Security Service, he was assigned to the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California learning to speak both Mandrin Chinese and Russian. James' almost 30 years of active service to his country is too extensive to record in its entirety but can be highlighted by saying his service tours brought him overseas to such assignments as Japan, Germany, the Republic of China and Turkey. He also had several state side assignments to include 4 years working with the National Security Agency and several teaching positions at the National Defense Language Institute. He attended the Senior NCO Academy, Tactical Air Operations and Doctrine Course, the Technical Instructors Course and was awarded "Master Instructor", Air Force Training Command. A few of his awards include the National Defense Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Small Arms Marksmanship Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 Bronze and 1 Silver Oak Leaf Clusters and Army Good Conduct Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters. James retired from the Air Force in February 1985 as the Branch Chief and Senior Technical Language Assistant of the Defense Language Institute, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas at the rank of Senior Master Sargeant. At age 50 James didn't stay retired long, in 1988 he went to work for the Texas Department of Human Services as a Child Protective Services Specialist, protecting the families and children of Texas from abuse and neglect. He retired again in May of 2000 after a busy, challenging and rewarding second career. He immediately continued his work by serving another 2 years as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for the Children's Advisory Center of Tom Green County, until February 2002, when he was honored for his work by Texas Governor Perry. He taught English for The Adult Literacy Council of San Angelo from 2002 onward. In his free time James loved everything outdoors, skeet shooting, game hunting, motorcycling and boating. His musical talent allowed him to play the piano by ear. He was an accomplished Black Belt and instructor in karate. In the 70's and 80's CB enthusiast friends knew him by his handle "Pecos". He always surrounded himself with family. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as his own mother, father, sisters and brothers. He materially participated in his families upbringing, sharing his love, wisdom, humor, experience and generosity. James is preceded in death by his father and mother, Albert and Adeline Kimbrell and his sister Virginia Ontiveros. James is survived by his wife Mary Lou Kimbrell, children Patrick and Diana Kimbrell, Edward Kimbrell, Nina Kimbrell, and Michelle Kimbrell. Brothers and sisters include. Alberta Solfisburg, Kathleen Reno, Michael Kimbrell, and William Kimbrell. Grandchildren include Albert Kimbrell, Jordan Kimbrell, Cherie and Brien Toombs, Aidan Stephens, Sophia Kimbrell, and Cannon Hill. Great grandchildren include Braden Faz, Guy Harlan, Mason Toombs, Weston Toombs and Adalyn Toombs. A second memorial service is planned for James, in his beloved Hondo Valley, in late January or February.