James Richard Batesole

James Richard Batesole (JR), age 65, died Saturday, November 24, 2012, in the VITAS hospice unit at Baylor All Saints Hospital, in Fort Worth, Texas. JR fought a courageous battle with complications due to radiation damage, but could fight no longer. He died peacefully in his sleep.
 
 JR was born May 19, 1947, in Fremont, Ohio, to the parents Richard John Batesole and Daisy Lucille (Beatty) Batesole, who preceded him in death.
 
JR is survived by his wife, Carol (Wood) Batesole of Weatherford, Texas and Andrew Clayton Batesole of Haltom City, Texas; stepdaughter, Robin Stewart and husband, Mac, of Prairieville, Louisiana; stepson, Kevin Bolin and wife, Tracy, of Mirebalais, Ouest, Haiti; and grandchildren Jay, Chelsea, Blake, Lauren, and Ashley; and three nieces. He had two siblings, Jack Batesole who resides in Helena, Ohio and Lawrence Batesole of Fremont, Ohioe, who preceded him in death.
 
JR served in the U.S. Air Force from June 1965 until August 1973, serving in the Vietnam War. He was an early warning radar technician on the RC121 reconnaissance aircraft. After his honorable discharge he served in the U.S. Army Reserves until his retirement. While in the reserves he worked for the Department of Defense in a civilian capacity, retiring from the Defense Contract Management Agency in Jan 2005.
 
JR has for many years been an active member in the Bedouins Oriental Band of the Moslah Shrine Center, Fort Worth, Texas, serving as Caliph LXII in 2007. He was currently serving as the Texas ambassador to the Association of Shrine Oriental Bands of North America.
 
JR's sense of humor and quick wit helped him through his serious health battles for the last six years. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shrine "Ladder of Smiles," and sent to Michael Hartup, 7418 E 26 Street N, Wichita, Kansas 67226. Please signify that the donation is in honor of JR Batesole.
 
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 27, 2012, at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, November 28, 2012, at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel, with Mr. David Reeves officiating and burial at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, at 2:15 p.m.