Maj. James F. Ure, Jr. (Ret.)
James Francis Ure, Jr., aged 89, passed away in his sleep peacefully on the morning of April 12th, 2016 in Fallbrook, California. Jim was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 6, 1926, son of Lillian and James F. Ure, Jr. Jim's father was from a family of early Scottish settlers starting with his grandfather John Calder Ure who came from Scotland in the mid 1800's to eventually purchase 17 acres in Rogers Park. Jim's grandfather, John Francis Ure (son of John Calder Ure), helped convince the village of Rogers Park to be incorporated into the city of Chicago.
Jim eagerly served in the United States military for 23 years - first with the Navy during WWII and then with the Air Force as a fighter pilot and squadron leader flying F-80 jets in dozens of combat missions during the Korean Conflict. During combat, Jim's plane was shot down, but he escaped and was rescued behind enemy lines. The sustained injuries resulted in the loss of a leg and a damaged arm. For his meritorious contributions and gallantry in action, Maj. James F. Ure was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Purple Heart, among other awards of recognition.
Jim was a devoted husband to his wife Kathleen of 61 years. They met in 1953 at Lackland AFB, Texas, where Kathleen, an Air Force RN, assisted in Jim's recovery. The two married and eventually had seven children. Upon leaving the Air Force, Jim continued to focus his work in aeronautics with some of America's finest defense firms. He and Kathleen settled down in Southern California where Jim worked for McDonnell Douglas and Hughes Aircraft Company, and raised their family.
Jim never allowed his injuries to define him. He was a lover of the outdoors and enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, sailing and flying. Jim's love for sailing with family and friends became his renowned lifelong activity; becoming well known in the coastal waters of Newport Beach, hailing from South Shore Yacht Club. Jim volunteered often to teach children to sail, and upon his retirement, continued to volunteer his time with programs teaching kids through the Young Eagles flight program. Jim and Kate enjoyed celebrating holidays with family and friends and were especially known for their Fourth of July and Christmas gatherings.
Survived by his loving wife Kathleen, 7 children, 23 grand children and 8 great-grand children; Jim's life was happy and fulfilling. He is survived by his loving family, which includes: children Sarah Ure, Jim C. Ure (Karen Ure), Tim Ure (Linda Ure), Jane Ure Douglass (Richard Douglass), Maryann Ure McCann (Jim McCann), Rob Ure (Ann Ure), and Mike Ure (Megan Ure). His grandchildren include: Shana Hull, Katie Reuter, Lauren Offenberg, Michael J. Ure, Jennifer Ure, David Ure, Ryan Heath, Emily Ure, Christian Douglass, Thomas Douglass, Andrew Douglass, Mary Douglass, Caitlin Martin, Matthew McCaffrey, Sean McCaffrey, Weston McCann, Stephen Ure, Kelsey Ure, Nick Ure, Luke Ure, Lilliana Ure, Dan Ure and Noah Ure. His great grandchildren include: Shane Hull, Lila Hull, Gavin Martin, Emma Martin, Liam Martin, Rylie McCaffrey, Erin McCaffrey, and Matthew McCaffrey.
Visitation for James F. Ure, Jr. will be held Thursday, April 21st from 5-8pm with a prayer service at 6pm at the Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary, 333 N. Vine Street, Fallbrook, Ca. The Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, April 22nd at 10 am at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church (Fallbrook, CA). The Burial will be held, with military honors, at Miramar National Cemetery at 2 pm on April 22nd.