Captain James "Jim" Frank Nuckles Obituary (1936 - 2023)

Captain James Frank (Jim) Nuckles, 87 passed away peacefully at St David's Medical Center, Austin, Texas on August 10, 2023. Jim was a loving husband, a dedicated father, a loving grandfather, and a friend to many. Jim was a decorated veteran who served in the Vietnam War and spent 20 years on active duty in the United States Air Force. Jim was born on May 5, 1936, in Adamsville, Texas to Joseph Aaron and Lucille Alline (Champion) Nuckles. He graduated from Lampasas High School in 1954. Jim graduated from Texas A&M University in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Education. While at A&M, he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and the Aggie Band. Jim's education also included a Master of Science in Industrial Management from the University of North Dakota and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado. Captain Nuckles entered active duty in College Station, Texas on June 14, 1958. His assignments included Tainan, Taiwan; Las Cruces AFS, New Mexico; Pyote AFS, Texas; Birkenfeld AS, Germany; Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota and Bergstrom AFB, Texas. From February 1971 to February 1972, Jim served as Operations Officer Detachment 11, 619 th Tactical Control Squadron, Hon Tre Island and Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. His decorations and awards include the Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Senior Missleman Badge and the Master Weapons Controller Badge. Jim retired from the Air Force on June 30, 1978, in Austin, Texas where he continued to make his home until his death. While stationed at Las Cruces, New Mexico, Jim met Sally Ruth McDermott of Newton, Massachusetts, and they were married in 1961. They had two sons, Michael Andrew of Green Bay, Wisconsin and Martin Matthew (deceased). After retiring from the Air Force, Jim served as the Travis County Deputy Chief Appraiser from July 1978 to December 2000. Jim was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Throughout his life, he was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Jim spent every opportunity he could in the woods regardless the time of year because it meant spending time with life-long friends. Jim was always ready to get in the truck and visit Lampasas, Rocksprings, Sanderson, or the panhandle. Fall was his favorite as it was deer season and meant it was time for Aggie football. Jim was an amazing friend and always found the good in people. Jim impacted lives beyond his awareness. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother - Paul, sister - Polly Littrell and his son - Marty. He is survived by his wife - Sally, son - Michael, granddaughters - Courtney Rae, Megan Marie and Kellie Christine Nuckles of Green Bay Wisconsin, sister - Mary Casbeer of Lampasas, Texas, brother - W. A. Nuckles of Lampasas, Texas and brother - Reuben Nuckles of Lampasas, Texas. There will be visitation on August 21, 2023, beginning at 5:00 p.m., with Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. at Peel & Son Funeral Home, 607 E. Anderson Ln., Austin, Texas. The funeral service will be held on August 22, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. also at Peel & Son Funeral Home, with interment to follow at the Smith Cemetery at School Creek, 4926 FM 2527, Kempner, Texas. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation in Jim's name to the Texas Paralyzed Veterans of America www.texaspva.org