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James "Jim" Ray Withrow, of Frederica, Delaware, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford.
Born December 15, 1944, in Williamsburg, West Virginia, Jim was the son of Leonard and Birdie Withrow. He graduated Salutatorian from Frankford High School in 1963. After a year of studies at Concord College in Athens, West Virginia, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in July 1964, beginning a distinguished 26-year military career.
Jim served with valor during the Vietnam War, earning the Vietnam Service Medal with six campaign stars and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. His military honors also included the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, among many others. He was named Outstanding Young Man of America in 1978, 1980, and 1981. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant.
Following his military service, Jim spent two decades as the Department of Delaware VFW Service Officer, where he tirelessly advocated for veterans and their families, securing benefits that changed countless lives.
Above all, Jim had a big heart, and taking care of others was the thread that ran through everything he did - his children and grandchildren, his friends, the veterans and their families he served for more than four decades, and the animals he welcomed to his home, including his beloved cats and rabbits. That same nurturing spirit showed in his love of gardening and plants, where he grew irises, roses, tomatoes, cucumbers, exotic plants, and his cherished Asian pears, not just for himself, but to share with nearly everyone he met. Whether it was a neighbor, a fellow veteran, a complete stranger, or even a stray cat in need of a home, Jim's instinct was always to give, and he will be remembered for his generous spirit and his readiness to help anyone in need. When Jim wasn’t working in his yard or helping others, he loved to read Western novels by Louis L’Amour, William W. Johnstone, and Linda Lael Miller, having read nearly every book they had ever written.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lisa Withrow, and is now reunited with her in Heaven.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Victoria Hudson; his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Amber Withrow; his grandchildren, Kaylie, Melina, Niko, and Noelle; his brother and sister-in-law, Lawrence and Pam Withrow; and many other nieces and nephews.
