James O. Padgett, 81, of Russellville, passed away Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at Chambers Memorial Hospital in Danville. The son of L.O. and Rhetha Stahl Padgett, he was born April 9, 1940 in Plainview.
Memorial Service will be held at 3:00PM, Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Humphrey Chapel. Paul Padgett will officiate. A private committal service will be held at the new Chapel of Light at the J. Herman Humphrey Dignity Cremation Center by Humphrey Funeral Service. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.
James was a United States Army Major (Retired) Veteran of the Vietnam War, serving with the 57th Medical Detachment as a Aeromedical Evacuation Helicopter pilot. During his career, he had flown over 800 “Dust off” missions with his helicopter ambulance in aid to over 1700 of his fellow soldiers. A highly decorated Army Veteran, James was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Medal of Valor, the National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal with devices, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, along with many other medals and commendations during his distinguished military career. He enjoyed golfing, using his carpentry skills to remodel homes and baking cakes and cookies.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Otis Padgett, Bill Padgett and a sister, Irby Dale Colbert.
Survivors include his wife, Kim Landers of Houston, TX; a brother, Elmer Padgett (Lavada) of Russellville and several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Memorials may be made to Plainview Veterans of Foreign Wars, P.O. Box 116, Plainview, AR 72857. Internet obituary and on-line guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.