James Harry Pappas

James Harry Pappas, 86, of Iowa Park passed away Saturday, Nov. 16.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. this evening at Owens and Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls.  

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls.  Burial with full military honors will follow at 2 p.m. at Mountain Park Cemetery in Oklahoma.  

James was born on May 10, 1933, in Duluth, MN., to Harry and Esther (Sonnenburg) Pappas. He married Oleta Weaver on July 21, 1953, and the couple were married for 66 years. He served in the United States Air Force, including time in Korea, and during the Vietnam war.  After retirement, he went back to work as a civilian contractor for Northrop Grumman.  He was a lifelong aviation enthusiast and was a model airplane master builder, and enjoyed being a flight instructor.  Growing up, he enjoyed sailing, and in later years camping with his family. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, and classic cars.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Barbara Ann Pappas; and sister, Ruthie Sola.

Survivors include his wife, Oleta Pappas; children, James Pappas, Amy Whitson, Julie Pappas, Tom Pappas, and Ronald Pappas; 19 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made in James’s name to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, Texas 76310.