James Edward Goddard

James Edward "Jim" Goddard was born in Coffeyville, Kansas ,while his mother was visiting her sister, on January 29, 1924. He was the son of Floyd Vernon and Bessie Eva (Knight) Goddard. Jim was raised and attended school in Osage, graduating in 1943. Shortly after his graduation, Jim enlisted into the service of his country into the United States Army Air Corp on June 15, 1943. Upon completion of his basic training, Jim was further trained in his specialty as a cook and in aerial combat as a tail gunner on a B-27 bomber. He spent most of his military service in Central Burma and India attached to the 51st Fighter Control Squadron. To provide better protection for the growing Allied offensive into North Burma, a forward relay station was established at Ft. Hertz, Burma on October 20, 1943 and a Fighter Control Center was established at Jorhat, India on January 8, 1944. This also helped to give more protection to American transport airplanes flying supplies over the "Hump" to China. Following closely behind the advancing forces of Gen. Stilwell an Area Control Center was established at Shingbwiyang, Burma on March 13, 1944. Ground Control Intercept stations were also established at Titabar and Digboi, India for the purpose of making better interceptions of Japanese aircraft. Sgt Goddard often moved between these stations. SGT Goddard was honorably discharged on February 6, 1946 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas Separation Center and he returned to Osage. Upon his return from military service, Jim was united in marriage to Betty Louise Sanders on October 19, 1946 and the couple made their initial home in Osage for nearly eleven years, starting their family there. They had four sons, Terry, Andrew, Bud, and Alan. While residing in Osage, Jim worked for the Katy Railroad as a freight clerk. In 1957, Jim accepted a similar position with the Rock Island Line in Enid and the family moved to Enid at that time. Jim retired from railroading in 1982 and the couple returned to Osage for their retirement, although Jim did accept a job with John Zink for a couple of years working in the tile department. Jim loved hunting, fishing and gardening. He would fish anyway he could wet a line but especially enjoyed trot lining for catfish. He hunted all types of game including deer and rabbit and one occasion chased down a jack rabbit and caught him with his bare hands. He raised almost any type of vegetables including a small batch of cotton and tobacco just to see if he could. He even grew Chinese Okra which you can eat when it is immature and becomes a luffa sponge when it develops to maturity. The family's freezer was always full of vegetables. For many years, Jim played on independent baseball and softball teams in Cleveland and Hominy. He was an avid Oklahoma State University Cowboy fan, loved watching sports on television and most of all enjoyed listening to Betty play the piano and singing along. He was described by his family as an amazing husband and father, who was proud of his Oklahoma heritage and could be a bit opinionated at times. His family recalls fondly the many trips taking to Canton, Hulah, and Salt Plains after Jim got off at midnight on Saturday night. They would spend time together camping, fishing and hunting just enjoying each other's company and Jim sharing his life's lessons with his sons. Jim passed away on Friday, December 6, 2013 at his home in Osage at the age of eighty-nine. He was preceded in death by his by parents, Floyd Vernon and Bessie Eva Goddard; a son, Terry Leon Goddard; four brothers, Robert, Jack, Clarence and Dick Goddard ; and a sister, Ruth Nichols. He is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Betty Louise Goddard of the home in Osage, Oklahoma; three sons, Andrew M. and Kathy Goddard of Ringwood, Oklahoma, "Bud" and Joyce Goddard of Goltry, Oklahoma, and Alan D. and Kathy Goddard of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 6 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren a brother, Donald Goddard of Peggs, Oklahoma; three sisters, Wanita Baughn of Owasso, Oklahoma, Lynetta Jones of Springdale, Arkansas, and Lou Etta Hacker of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; and numerous other friends and relatives who will mourn his passing. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at the Chapman-Black Chapel with Rev. David Head officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Veterans of Foreign War, District 5 Honor Guard. Burial will be at the Osage Cemetery in Osage, Oklahoma under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home