Tributes

James Otis (J.O.) Kimrey Jr. was born April 26, 1943, in Durham NC and went to be with the Lord on January 31, 2025, at the age of 81 in San Antonio TX. He was preceded in death by his parents James Otis Kimrey Sr. and Ella Wiggins Kimrey. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Maxine (Votion) Kimrey., sons, James “Jay” Otis Kimrey III (Jennifer), Christopher Scott Kimrey (Christine Galindo), Leonard Patrick Kelly Jr. (Michelle), Trey Alder Votion (Sandy), daughter, Debra Lynne Kelly (Jackie), Sister-n-law Mary Ridgeway (Albert), brothers-in-law, Alfred Votion Jr. (Tammy), Charles “Bubby” R. Votion (Suzy). Nine Grand Children Isaac Lawrence, Gregory, Ella and Vivian Kimrey, Rusty Badillo (Roxanne), Salina Badillo, Kayci Holland (Matt), Montanna “Shay Shay” Croley (Walker), Taylor Alder Votion (Madi). Eight Great Grand Children, Logan Ransleben, Ryder Badillo, Laynee and Lawson Croley, Kenna and Kace Dubose, Chandler and Charlotte Votion, and numerous nieces/nephews, friends, Military family and his Masonic Lodge brothers at Somerset TX Lodge 1205. J.O. graduated from Durham High School, Class of 1961 and joined the Air Force in 1966, retiring at the grade of Master Sergeant after a 25-year distinguished career working in the Tempest and Cryptologic Career Fields. During this time he earned the following medals: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device and One Silver and One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Silver and two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Ribbon. He met Maxine by purposely sitting in her chair at a place they frequented. Therefore, “The Chair” became their song and the rest was history! After his military service he didn’t stray far from his passion as he began a Civilian Service career instructing Tempest/Crypto courses. During this time, he returned to college attending night classes, earning his Baccalaureate Degree from Waylan Baptist University in 1996. He retired from civil service after 20-years’ service in 2014. He and his father had a mutual love for model trains. He also loved everything about airplanes and air shows. He was gifted in electronics and owned a CB installation business in the 70/80s called Jim’s Installations. He enjoyed golfing and his son Jay recalled playing golf with him as a boy and receiving his very own set of "Chi-Chi Rodriguez" youth golf clubs for Christmas one year. He was always ready to watch Patrick and Trey racing at 37 South Speedway, it was often the highlight of his week! As racing continued, he found great joy watching two of his grandchildren Rusty and Salina race quarter midgets when they were younger. To say he was a NASCAR fan is an understatement as all the above brought him great joy! Lastly, he loved to mow the yard with his riding lawn mower and having a beer while doing it! The family would like to send a special thank you to Debra Kelly and Scott Kimrey for their care and support to J.O./Dad over many years! Pall bearers will be Jay Kimrey, Scott Kimrey, Isaac Lawrence, Rusty Badillo, Trey Votion and Taylor Votion. Honorary pallbearers, Patrick Kelly and Debra Kelly. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. On Thursday, February 20, 2025, Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service at 1:00 pm. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South, followed by interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas at 2:15 p.m. www.missionparks.com

Tributes

James Otis (J.O.) Kimrey Jr.

April 26, 1943 - January 31, 2025