Obituary of James Edward Borth

James Edward Borth, age 92, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Saturday evening, September 24 in Plano, surrounded by his loving family. James was born March 8, 1924 in Kaufman, Texas to Herman and Essie Borth. In 1942, at the age of 18, James enlisted in the US Army Air Force. He excelled at flight school and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutanant Pilot in May of 1944. James would serve as a flight instructor with the 559th Base Unit for the rest of the war. Afterwards he served in the Air Force Reserve until 1955. After his military service, Mr. Borth began commercial farming and crop dusting in west Texas. Later, he would own two Harley-Davidson dealerships in Longview and Tyler, and would work as the Director of the East Texas Division of the Department of Agriculture before retiring in 1990. James is survived by his wife of 34 years, Eva Rice Borth; a son: David Borth and wife Becki of The Woodlands; two daughters: Frieda Borth of Austin, and Jane Borth Cates and husband Gary of Little Elm; two grandsons: Scott Borth and wife Sally, and Christopher Cates and wife Holly; 4 great-grandchildren, and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Essie Borth. Funeral services will be held 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 29 at Erman Smith Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held 2:00 P.M. Thursday at Kaufman City Cemetery in Kaufman, Texas. Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 28 at the funeral home.