Jimmie D. Austin

Jimmie D. Austin, 86 a longtime Fort Sumner resident died Sunday, November 12, 2000 at Mission Arch Care Center in Roswell where he was recuperating from a broken hip suffered two weeks prior. Jimmie was born July 5, 1914 in Taiban, NM to the home of James Milton and Johnnie Leonard Austin. The family made their home in the Fort Sumner valley about 1920. Jimmie served in the United States Army during World War II, he served with the 25th “Lighting” Division and participated in the battle for Guadalcanal in the South Pacific from December 30, 1942 to July 10, 1943. He was evacuated to a military hospital in Modesto, CA on August 24, 1943. Jimmie was honorably discharged on October 16, 1943. Jimmie is remembered for his friendliness and quick wit. Jimmie boxed as a young man. He attended the Christ Full Gospel Church in Fort Sumner. Jimmie was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans organizations. Jimmie was preceded in death by his father James Milton Austin on July 30, 1944; his mother Johnnie Leonard Austin on December 11, 1967; and a brother Leonard W. Austin. Survivors include his beloved sister-in-law, Mrs. Bessie Austin of California, three nephews, Donald R. Austin of Missouri, Jack W. Austin of Texas, Larry W. Austin of California, and a niece Janet Austin John of Nevada. Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, November 16, 2000 at the Chavez Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Teeter officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery.