James Austin Dixon, 87, of LaBelle, died Sunday, September 9, 2012, at The Medcial Center of Southeast Texas, Port Arthur. He was born on October 14, 1924, in Beaumont, to Bessie Caraway Dixon and James Austin Dixon, Sr., and had been a lifelong resident of the area. He was a veteran of the United States Navy having served during World War II. James was employed at Texaco Oil for thirty years until his retirement in 1980.
He served aboard the U.S.S. Hamul CAPD207 supply ship in the Atlantis and aboard the Destroyer U.S.S. McDermut (DD677) in the Asia-Pacific theatre. James participated in eight invasions, four raids and the battle Ohdayte Gulf (Surigao Strait) in the Philippines. His ship made a torpedo run against the Japanese fleet and scored three direct hits for his dedicated service. He received many medals and ribbons including the American Theatre, Asia-Pacific, Philippine and Liberation medal, Presidential unit citation World War II victory medal clasp, and combat medal (Cold War).
James was a member of Disabled Veterans and the U.S.S. McDermut (Destroyer) organization, Port Neches VFW. He was also a charter member of the Nederland Masonic Lodge #1368, and a longtime member of LaBelle Baptist Church. James enjoyed fishing and tinkering with his lawnmower. He was a quiet, loving and gentle man that made a wonderful father and husband.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Dixon of LaBelle; son, Donald Dixon of Nederland; and several cousins.
James is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Jack Dixon.
A gathering of Mr. Dixon’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 12, 2012, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 13, 2012, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.
