Rock Hill, SC – James Ronald Padgett, USAF Master Sargent, Retired, died peacefully at his home in Bradenton, Florida on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, with family by his side. At 87 years old, James lived a long and well-traveled life. He was born in Lebanon, Indiana in 1935, one of thirteen children to parents, Thomas Franklin Padgett and Irene Alice Miller Padgett. James was preceded in death by his wife, Priscilla, his parents, brothers Chuck, Russell, Tom, Gib, Steve, sisters Phyllis, Linda, Martha and his oldest daughter, Arthella Larkin.
James left home at a young age and joined the Air Force at 17. He spent time in countries as far apart as Japan and Newfoundland, Canada, and states as close to home as Tennessee, New Jersey and Florida. He retired in 1974 with the rank of Master Sargent after seeing the world as a flight engineer, participating in hundreds of combat missions in Korea and over 117 combat missions during the ‘68 Vietnam Nam Tet Offensive. He was recognized for valor in the line of duty and received, among other honors, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Distinguished Unit Award (Vietnam) and Air Force Commendation metals.
In 1958, he met and married the love of his life, Priscilla Short, and became father to her three children, Arthella, Lee and Paula. Priscilla eagerly joined James in his various duty stations until 1973 when they retired, first to Bradenton, then in 1989 to McConnells, S.C. They remained devoted to each other for 52 years until her death in 2010.
In retirement, James and Priscilla continued to travel with Priscilla as chief instigator and packer of bags. They visited family in IL, North Carolina, vacationed in Hawaii and cruised the Caribbean and Alaska. In South Carolina, many evenings were spent in lively and spirited card games with his brothers and sisters who lived nearby. James loved boating and fishing, anytime, anywhere. He enjoyed reading, gardening, playing golf, looking after his beloved black labs and even a few occasional stray cats. One of his greatest pleasures was observing through his front window the hundreds of hummingbirds who flocked to his front yard feeders.
In 2015, James returned to the Bradenton area, first living in Colony Cove, then with his son and daughter in law, Lee and Fran. His upbeat and cheerful attitude endeared him to many. James made friends from strangers, liked his chicken fried, his coffee black and his hair kept in military buzz cut fashion.
He will be forever remembered by his son, Lee and wife Fran of Bradenton, daughter, Paula LaRowe and husband Kim of Mills River, NC, brother Tim Bybee and wife, Linda, sisters Marilyn, Mary and Sharon, sister-in-law, Carolyn Padgett, and sister-in-law, Sharon Short. James especially loved and was proud of his six grandchildren, Chad LaRowe and wife Kelly, Dean LaRowe and wife Brittany, Kyle LaRowe and future wife, Alisha, Russell Larkin, Marilee Carpenter and husband Tim, Stephen Meetze and wife Lisa, twelve great grandchildren and four great-great-grandchidren. They were his source of endless joy and love.
The family wishes to thank the VA HBPC doctors, nurses and therapists, especially Karen, Sue, Gina, Tiffany, Eric for their support which helped James remain at home, Tidewell Hospice for being with us in his last days, and Good Life caregivers Henry and Alexis for their tender care.
Funeral service will be Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, S.C with Reverend Matt Burrell officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. Visitation with family and friends will be prior to the service from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donation made in his honor to Tidewell Hospice, 3355 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205.
Condolences may be made to www.greenefuneralhome.net.