SYLVANIA, Ga, -- Retired CW4 James Edward Mock Sr. died October 2, 2024. He was 82.

James entered the Army at the age of 17, where he completed basic and advanced training. He was assigned to jump school at Fort Bragg’s 82nd Airborne Unit. He was then transferred to Korea in 1960, where he spent 18 months. He then re-enlisted for MP school at Ft. Gordon in Augusta, Ga. He was assigned to the 118th MP Unit at the 18th Airborne Corps.

He was assigned to the security squad for Gen. William C. Westmoreland. During this time, he also did a stint in the Dominican Republic. He later completed the battery test for pilot school, where he graduated in 1966. He was then deployed to Vietnam, where he spent 13 months on his first tour and later deployed for a second time, where he completed 10 months. During this time, he accumulated 2200 combat hours, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Metal with V for valor and 39 air medals.

In 1971, he was assigned to the aviation unit at Ft. Gordon, Ga., where he completed fixed wing school, IFE and flight examiner school.

He was promoted to chief warrant officer 3 (CW3) during that time.

In 1973, he transferred to Katterbach, Germany, where he spent three years in the aviation unit. He was then assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, during which time he was promoted to CW4.

He spent the last three years of his service flying the commanding general and his staff.

James retired in 1982 with 23 years of service and 6,000 total flying hours.

After retirement from the military, he worked various jobs, including co-owner of L & M Auto Shop, and served part-time as a deputy with the Screven County Sheriff's Department. He also served as the maintenance supervisor for the City of Sylvania for several years and as a bonding agent for Akins Bonding Company in Statesboro, Ga.

James was fully retired at age 62.

He was preceded in death by his father, George E. Mock; his mother, Sybil L. Mock Cates; his ex-wife, Ann Cottle Mock; and an infant son, Michael Alan Mock.

He is survived by two sons, James E. "Jim" Mock Jr. (Terrah) and Troy Alan Mock (Robyn), both of Statesboro. Also, four sisters, Helen Pope, Sandra Minchey (Tim), Barbara Mock and Donna Hatcher (Robert), as well as two brothers, Ralph E. Mock (Diane) and Robert M. Mock (Janie); four grandchildren, Jessica Mock Taylor (Eddie), James E. Mock III (Amalia), Justin Mock and Tory Mock; two great-grandchildren, Avian Boswell and Landon Taylor.

Visitation was Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home at 202 Ennis Street in Sylvania, GA from noon until 2 p.m.

The funeral promptly followed at 2 p.m. with Tim Minchey officiating, followed by a graveside service at Sylvania Memorial Cemetery, with full military honors.

You may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.

Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home, Screven Chapel is in charge of all arrangements.

Statesboro Herald, October 8, 2024

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