James D. Isaacks

Major General James D. Isaacks, Jr. (Jim), B.A. ’47, passed away on Jan. 5 at the age of 103. His life was a beautiful example of unwavering devotion to God, country and family.

Isaacks was born in Waco on Aug. 30, 1922, to James D. Isaacks, Sr. and Ina Jones Isaacks, and, soon after, his family moved to Houston. They continued to visit relatives in Waco where Isaacks became friends with a neighborhood boy whose younger sister often tagged along. One day Isaacks bought her a soda because she was thirsty and had no money; this was during the Great Depression. On subsequent visits to Waco, he looked for her family, but they had moved. He never forgot that little girl.

In Houston, Isaacks graduated from Kinkaid Academy and entered Baylor University in 1940. He loved Baylor, excelling in football and track, and his 4x400 relay team recorded the best time in the nation. His college years were interrupted by World War II, and Isaacks enlisted in the Army Air Corps. After training at Ellington Field, he was stationed in Norwich, England, with the 458th Bomb Group of the 8th Army Air Corps. A navigator on B-24 bombers, he flew 36 combat missions and additional missions in British Mosquitos, even volunteering for an extra tour out of a sense of duty.

After the war, Isaacks returned to Baylor, where he spotted a young woman crossing campus who seemed familiar. She dismissed his question as flirtation, but he was right — she was the little girl from Waco. Nancy Cranford, B.A. ’46, became his wife on May 26, 1946, beginning a 70-year marriage. Isaacks was recalled to active duty during the Korean conflict and later served with distinction in the Air Force Reserve, earning the Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Service Medal. Alongside his military service, he built a successful business career with Pepsi Cola and later as president of Delaware Punch. Faith and service remained central as he served as a church deacon and university trustee.

After retiring from both the Air Force and business, Isaacks became a realtor, finally retiring at age 87. His greatest pride, however, was his family. After Nancy’s death, he remained active, curious and joyful — reading daily, exercising, playing bridge and delighting family with legendary personalized birthday songs.

Isaacks often said he had lived a wonderful life, striving daily to follow God’s will. His family takes comfort knowing he is now reunited with his beloved Nancy.