James Franklin West

James Franklin “Jimmy” West, age 100, of Jackson, Ohio left to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 29th, 2025. Jimmy was born in Jackson, Ohio on December 26th, 1924, to the late Squire and Stella (Hughes) West.

Jimmy was raised and lived in Jackson until he joined the U.S. Army in 1942 and was sworn into service in 1943. Jimmy’s unwavering commitment to the United States during WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War shows a level of valor, bravery, and reverence that serves as an inspiration to us all. In December of 1945 he was honorably discharged from the Army. After a few years of being all he could be in the Army he took a brief hiatus until his country called him back to service, so he enlisted in the then newly created U.S. Air Force where he continued to serve until his retirement in 1968. While serving his country, Jimmy was honored with numerous awards including: Air Force Good Conduct Medal-1 bronze, Army Good Conduct Medal-3 bronze, Air and Space Longevity Service Award-3 bronze, Honorable Service lapel button WWII, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign-4 bronze, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal-Germany, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal-2 bronze, Korea Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation-Republic of Korea, and a United Nations Service Medal.

Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife, Doris Mae West and his daughters, Winona Byorth and Janet Childers who he was a loving, devoted father to.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James Richard West; brother, William W. West; and several brothers and sisters.

James was a very loving person. He was loved by all his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, as well as his nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He was part of a large family who loved him dearly.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the funeral home to help with expenses.

Please check back soon for service dates and times.