James Henry Applegate Jr's Obituary
JAMES HENRY APPLEGATE JR.
1940–2026
MSgt James Henry Applegate Jr, United States Air Force, Retired, 85 years of age, of Hodgen, OK, passed away on April 2, 2026.
James was born in Springfield, Il to James Henry Applegate Sr and Martha Jane Burgin on April 6, 1940
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth Ellen Applegate, His mother and father and Stepfather, Arie Gene Burgin.
He is survived by his Children, Daughter Robert Jean Applegate, Son Gary Wayne Applegate his wife Jane Applegate, Daughter Rebecca Lynn Applegate and Husband Jeff Scott, and 7 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren. His brothers Michael Applegate and Gerald Applegate.
James was a very proud veteran, Joining the United States Air Force on August 6, 1958, after basic training at Lackland Air Force Base he went on to Sheppard Air Force Base to Technical School to be a 43171, Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Technician, for 19 years then became a 43199, Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent for 1 year 6 months when he retired on February 29, 1980.
During his Air Force Career he was stationed in Thule AB, Greenland; Luke AFB, AZ; Williams AFB, AZ; Republic of Vietnam; Laughlin AFB, TX; Kirkland AFB, NM; Incirlik AB, Turkey; Mountain Home AFB, ID; Tabriz AB, Iran; and retired at Luke AFB in Glendale, Az.
James had several medals: Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 5 Bronze clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, AF Longevity Service Ribbon with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, AF Presidential Unit Citation, AF Outstanding Unit Awards with 4 Oak leaf Clusters, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
After retiring from the Air Force he worked for several different Aircraft companies, Hughes Aircraft, McDonald Douglas, Lockheed Martin, American Airlines as Aircraft Maintenance.
James was also a member of the Tulsa Police Department Auxiliary/Reserve officer.
Service will be held at Floral Haven, 6500 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK on April 17, 2026 at 3 pm, In lieu of flowers please make a contribution at $darklefturn on Venmo.
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