James Edwin Womack

James Edwin Womack, resident of Albuquerque for over 55 years, passed away peacefully at his home on December 20, 2014. Jim was a fighter pilot and attorney at law, who lived a life of 82 years, and cut a wide swath. Born in Carlsbad, New Mexico on September 20, 1932, he grew up with cowboys on his father’s ranches, and graduated high school from Peacock Military Academy in San Antonio, Texas, enrolling at the age of 11. Jim met the love of his life at 17, and married Jeannie Crowe in 1953, the same day he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force. After serving as an F-86 fighter pilot in after-war Korea, and then Japan, Jim and Jeannie made their life in Albuquerque, where Jim completed his Bachelor’s Degree and Juris Doctor at the University of New Mexico in 1961. He was a founding member of the UNM Law Review and clerked for the NM District Court and NM Supreme Court. While attending UNM, Jim joined the New Mexico Air National Guard, and was a proud member of the 188th Tactical Fighter Squadron and the 150th Tactical Fighter Group. He flew the F-80, F-100 and A-7 with the "Tacos" for over 30 years, and deployed as part of a one-year combat tour in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Silver Star for his valor. He was known throughout his Guard career as “Schultz” - a callsign he received on his first cross-country with the unit. Jim “Schultz” Womack flew single-seat, single engine fighter aircraft until he retired in December of 1987. He held many command positions, retiring as Chief of Staff for the NMANG, with the rank of Brigadier General, which he wore as a mission-ready pilot for over five years. In addition to his Guard career, Jim actively practiced law in Albuquerque as a business and real estate attorney for 34 years, retiring from his practice in 1995. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Carroll L. Womack, MD; loving wife Jeannie C. Womack; brother, Carroll L. Womack II; and beloved son, James E. Wommack II. He is survived by his daughter, Julie Wommack Brown and husband Lavell; daughter Jenifer Jannakos and husband Mark; and son Jordan Wommack and wife Debbie. Jim is also survived by his granddaughter and a grandson-in-law, Katherine Brown Langston and husband Kevin, and grandchildren Carolyn Brown, Stephen, Michael, Matthew and Margaret Jannakos, and Stacey and Trevor Wommack. James was known for his loyalty, friendship, and ability to provide love, guidance and support to everyone in his life. His friendships lasted a lifetime, and his example will transcend generations. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Lomas. Services will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2015, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. Interment will take place on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 11:15 a.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery, and all are invited. In lieu of flowers, Schultz asked that those inclined give to the charity of their choice.