Friday, October 21, 2011

Jimmy Ray Houx - Signalman, First Class Petty Officer - United States Navy (Retired)


April 25, 1948
Dallas, Texas
~
October 18, 2011
Wenden, Arizona

Jimmy Ray Houx,  departed this world Tuesday, the 18th of October 2011. Jimmy was born the fifth child to Clarence Bart Houx and Lennie Jewel Houx (Cluck) in Dallas Texas on April 25th, 1948. He was a devoted son, husband, father and Papaw.

SM1(SW) Houx retired from the United States Navy, a Petty Officer First Class with a rating of  Signalman, SM1 (SW) Houx gave  over 20 years of honorable, dedicated service to his country without question, or hesitation. A proud sailor, SM1 (SW) Houx was a recognized Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, and received the Navy good conduct medal, with silver star (fifth award), Sea Service Deployment ribbon with three bronze stars, Navy Battle Efficiency Ribbon, 2nd Award, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation and Vietnam Service Medal.  SM1 (SW) Houx was also a recognized "Shellback", a very prestigious award  presented to those sailors that are honored to take part in the initiation for the "crossing the line" or equator into the realm of the Golden Shellback. SM1 (SW) Houx served his country during the Vietnam war, the "cold war" and was quick an eager to serve wherever his country called on him to go. He was the model of a true sailor. After his family, his career in the United States Navy was probably his most proudest accomplishments.

Jimmy also retired from the Department of Corrections a CO-4 as a prison  counselor where he served firmly and honorably for over 20 years.

Jimmy was "Papaw" to his most cherished fans on earth, his loving grandchildren Chantal,  Jacob  and Logan - Osborne, three step-grandchildren Rudy, Ryan and Jimmy - Russell.  There never seemed enough time for him to spend with them. At the twilight of his life he approached it doing exactly what he wanted to do and that was spending time with his grandkids.

He will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Lennie Houx, brothers Donald Houx and Robert Houx, and sister, Alice Anderson.

He is survived by his loving wife  Jane Houx; his sons, Phillip Houx and Charles Rogers; his daughter, Hollie Osborne; his sisters, Martha Rivers of Oregon and Peggy Lujan of Avondale; and his brother Frank Houx  of Avondale .

Visitation will be held on Wednesday October 26th, 2011 at Avenidas Funeral Chapel. 522 East Western Avenue, Avondale. Family and Friends may gather at 10:00am.

Funeral Services will follow in the Chapel with Senior Chaplain Steven Kinsland officiating.

Interment will follow an escorted motor procession to National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, located at 23029 North Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix.

Full Military Honors will be in order and observed.

Fair winds and following seas SM1 (SW) Houx, Relieve the watch. Rest easy now shipmate, all is secure.



Please feel free to share your condolences with the family and also your thoughts with friends. Perhaps a short funny moment or cherished time you spent with this loved family member who will sorely be missed and forever remembered.

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9 comments:

  1. He was a great person that I was very lucky to have met in this lifetime. He loved my children like they were his own grandkids,our kids don't have grandparents here in Arizona and Mr. Houx was always there for them. Thanks Jimmy for the times you came to our house and had beers with Jim and myself, you will be greatly missed.

    maria russell

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  2. i had the pleasure of knowing jimmy houx and i can only say that we have lost a great humble person and great friend.my deepest condolences and prayers to the houx family. Cindy Ramirez

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  3. Jim,we enjoyed the times,we had in Prescott,although they were too brief,we have missed your kind,gentle ways.You were a good man,a kind man,a honorable man,no one could ask for more,peace be with you. The Getz Family

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  4. YOUR PRINCESS/SUGAR BEAR/BABY GIRLOctober 22, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    My pappaw was my heart. He was my father and the only man who loved me unconditionally. He always told me stories about when i was a little girl and never let me forget how much i meant to him. My pappaw was an amazing man who would do anything for the ones he loved. The last thing he said to me was "No one will ever love you like your Pappaw does, and don't you ever forget that." I will hold those words in my heart forever. I love you Pappaw, thank you for everything you have done for me, and most importantly thank you for never letting me down. You have no idea what kind of impact you have made on my life and i'm so thankful to have been blessed with such an amazing Grandfather.<3 Rest in Peace, can't wait to see you again and tell Thor baby hi for us :)

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  5. Our deepest sympathies to Jane, Logan and all of the Howe family. Our family is blessed to have known Jim as a friend and neighbor. We did not know Jim as a military leader but more recently admired him for the supporting roles he performed so well in Jane's, Logan's and "the girls'" lives. Anyone who would run over to an ailing neighbor's house after dark with a bottle of cranberry juice exemplifies the word - lovingkindness. We will deeply miss you Jim.

    The Tollesons of Avondale

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  6. Linda Anderson MoseleyOctober 24, 2011 at 5:42 AM

    Jimmy will be sadly misse by his family and friends, Linda Anderson Moseley

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  7. No time on earth is long enough to share with
    those we love or to prepare our hearts for good-bye. Fair Winds and Following Sea Shipmate.

    Sharon and Terry Faunce

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  8. Jim we will miss the talks that we had with you, you were such a good no great friend. We all will miss you and i know that dad is deeply hurt by your passing. It does not seem real i keep waiting for you to walk out your front door. But do not worry we will look after Jane and Logan and all the cats. This is not good-bye but farewell till next time so God speed and fair winds and let the tide be high.

    Bill Clara Adela and Dewayne

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  9. Words cannot express my heartfelt condolences to Jane, Logan, the girls and the rest of the family. I pray God will comfort you during these difficult time. My prayers are with you all.


    Donna Walker

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