Sergeant First Class James B. Triplett, Jr.

Sergeant First Class James B. Triplett, Jr., United States Army

James Triplett, Jr., known as Jimmy to  family and friends, was born May 29, 1973 in Burbank, California and passed away on November 28, 2010, at the age of 37, in Louisiana.

Jimmy grew up in Quincy, Indiana.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana at the time of his death.  He spent his life serving and protecting his country.

Funeral services were held on December 7, 2010 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas.  Present were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.  The Riders then led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.

Waiting at the cemetery were other Riders and fifty American flags lining the roadway at the committal shelter.

Jimmy’s flag draped casket was moved from the hearse into the shelter and full military honors were rendered by the United States Army Honor Guard.  The rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Honor, Duty and Country.  The bugler played taps and the flag that was covering the silver casket was folded into the traditional triangle and presented to Jimmy’s best friend and girl friend, Chantil, on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation.  Folded flags were also presented to his father, James, Sr., and his daughter.

Sergeant First Class James B. Triplett, Jr. was then laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff at the top of the hill in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his girlfriend and her three children, his father, two daughters, a sister, a brother and many other dear family, friends and fellow soldiers.

With thanks to the Quincy Herald-Whig for biographical information