The family of LCDR James R. Templeton has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to participate in the services of their loved one and to honor this American Hero. It will be our honor to do so.
James “Jim” Templeton was born in McGhee, Arkansas, and graduated from Little Rock High School. In July, 1945, at age 17, Jim enlisted in the US Navy and began what would be a long military career. He was sent to US Naval Training Center San Diego for recruit training and then to storekeeper school at USNTC, Bainbridge, MD. Jim served during World War II, earning the American Theatre Campaign Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal.
In the early 1950s, Jim served as storekeeper at the Naval Operating Base, Guam, and the Naval Air Station, Memphis Tenn. When the Korean War erupted he was called to sea serving aboard two Haskell-class attack transports, the USS Menifee (APA-202) and the USS Telfair (APA-210) earning him the Korean Service, UN Service, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Occupation, China Service, United States Service, the National Defense and the Good Conduct medals (2). From July, 1952 to September 1954, Jim was an adviser to the Turkish Navy; it was during his time in Turkey that his son, Ramsay, was born.
Jim entered Officers Candidate School in 1957, graduating in 1958 whereupon he was commissioned an Ensign in the Supply Corps and ordered to the Navy Supply Corps School, Athens, GA. He was next ordered to Norfolk where he served first as Outfitting and as Assistant Superintendent before serving as Supply Officer aboard the Allen M. Sumner class destroyer, USS Strong (DD-758).
In November 1961, LTJG Templeton reported for duty aboard the USS Macdonough (DLG-8). As prospective Supply Officer, he assisted in the pre-commissioning and outfitting of the new Guided Missile Frigate and later took over as Supply Officer when the Macdonough was placed in Commission.
In 1962 Jim was chosen to study at Harvard University, Cambridge, where he earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation he was assigned to Naval Station Great Lakes to do his tour of duty at ESO. In April, 1966, Jim was appointed Lieutenant Commander in the Supply Corps of the U.S. Navy.
In July, 1966, while assigned to the U.S. Naval Advisory Detachment, Republic of Vietnam, LCDR Templeton was designated as Naval Parachutist, Seal Team ONE, Coronado, CA, and Detachment ECHO, Da Nang. He was later designated as SCUBA diver and Underwater Swimming (Qualifications included a 50 pound PSI pressure test), and was assigned as Head of the Systems Branch, Planning Division. For his service during the Vietnam War he earned a Navy Commendation, the Vietnamese Service, the Vietnam Campaign and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry medals.
In 1969 and after 23 years and three wars, Jim retired from the Navy. As a civilian he went to Tennessee to become a rancher where he raised pigs and cows. After several years he returned to San Diego and was employed by Ingalls Shipbuilding where he was tasked with inspecting Navy ships. After final retirement, he traveled the world with his beloved wife, Marti.
Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Ann. He is survived by wife Martha (Marti) Templeton, son, Ramsay Templeton, four step children, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and five step grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero and his Family from the Family home to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Wednesday, 16 APR 2014:1045 – Stage at San Carlos Library, 7265 Jackson Dr, San Diego, CA 92119
https://goo.gl/maps/tXQ691100 - Mission Briefing
1115 - KSU to Family residence
1135 - (approximate time) Flag line for dignified transfer to vehicle
1140 - KSU for accompaniment to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., San Diego, CA 92106
https://goo.gl/maps/WrtrZ1215 - Estimated arrival at cemetery
1300 - Funeral Services with Full Military Honors
R/C Ryan WynnPGR Ride Captain
ryan92020@gmail.com
619-699-9196
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember to post your condolences for the family at this link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?388859
