Tributes

James Ernest Latour age 83, died Sunday, May 29, 2022, at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center. Born on March 3, 1939, in Providence, RI, he was a son of the late Earnest Emador and Alice Margret Latour. Mr. Latour was a 1956 graduate of Warwick Veterans Memorial High School in Warwick, RH and 67 semester hours with CCAF (Community College of the Air Force). Mr. Latour was a 30-year retired Air Force veteran in the power generation and electrical management fields from 1957-1987. He served as a power plant operator/supervisor at remote Aircraft Control and Warning installations and the Distant Early Warning Line in Alaska and the northern tier of the states for 5 years. Taught Power Generation at the Air Force Power Production School for 12 years. Pacific area veteran, 1 year, in Thailand (Vietnam conflict) and Korea. He spent 4 years in Germany as a Mace B. Launch Crew Member (Bitburg AV) and 9 years as Electrical Superintendent at (Spangdahlem, Kunsan, and Loring AFBs). He retired as Chief Electrical Manager from Myrtle Beach AFB in 1987. He was formerly employed by: Carolina Temperature Control, National Generator Service, and American Generator Company as senior generator technician and corporate trainer in the power generation field. He conducted many personalized seminars for government agencies, electrical engineers, new generator customers and RV seminars for campers at Ocean Lakes Campground. He and his wife Jane were founding members of Calvary Baptist Church of Bitburg and Metterich, Germany. He served on the bus ministry and choir of Jane Lee Baptist Church in Burkburnet, TX for 8 years. Mr. Latour was a 30 plus year member of Collins Creek Baptist Church as Choir Member, Soloist, Deacon, and Chairman of Deacons. Presently a member of Live Oak Church in Murrells Inlet, SC. He was a member and board member of the Larry Elliot Memorial South Grand Strand Chorus for 10 years and a soloist of Keys Chorale, Kest West, FL for 3 years. An active member of the Myrtle Beach Chiefs Group and an active former member of the Wagonmaster of the Grand Strand Sam’s (a Good Sam camping Chapter). Mr. Latour provided financial support to 30+ Palmetto Bays Elementary and St. James Elementary K, 1&2 schoolteachers from 2018-2022. Mr. Latour was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Louise (Grinrod) Latour. Survivors include his siblings, Robert W. Latour of Pendleton, IN (Cheryl), Donna J. Boomershine of North Manchester, IN (Chandis) and Dennis B. Latour of Springfield, VA (Susan); a daughter, Celinda L. Jacobs of Tradesville, SC (Shawn); a son, Stephen J. Latour of Sunrise, FL; grandchildren, Kristeena Creel of Andrews, SC (Carl), Michael McWilliams of Cawtaba, SC (Stacy), Christopher McWilliams of Pageland, SC, Jonathon Thurmond (step) of Michigan; 7 great-grandchildren and 3 step great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild expected in July. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Live Oak Church. Burial will follow at Southeastern Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Live Oak Church. Sign an online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Tributes

James E. Latour, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF, Retired

March 3, 1939 - May 29, 2022