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Colonel James R. Gober, USA (Ret.), 80, died in Albuquerque, NM, on January 14, 2008 from Leukemia. Born June 10, 1927 in Denver, CO to Richard and Fanny Gober, he was adopted by his aunt, Jimmye Gober Bowersock and husband, John. Appointed to USNA from Texas, he graduated in the Marines with the 14th Company. Dick led the Brigade Drum and Bugle Corps in President Truman's 1949 Inauguration Parade. After school at Quantico, Virginia, he commanded a rocket battery at Camp Lejeune, NC, and in 1951, attended a course in guided missiles at Ft. Bliss, TX. He joined a Marine missile battalion at China Lake, CA, and tested the land-based Terrier missile system. In 1953, Dick joined the 3d Marine Division, commanding a company of the 9th Marines during the defense of Korea. At Camp Pendleton, CA, he served in training before joining Test Unit One, a Marine developing tactics for nuclear warfare. Dick went to White Sands Proving Ground, NM as Lacrosse missile project officer. There he earned a MSME from New Mexico State University. Then he returned to Quantico to develop the XM-70 automatic artillery weapon. He was approved by SECDEF for interservice transfer to the Army. At 36, Dick commanded a logistics battalion in Germany. At 41, he was Army project manager supplying artillery ammunition worldwide. After commanding a logistics group in Vietnam, he became Senior Ordnance Advisor to the Vietnamese. Dick was the last commander of Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia. He attended resident courses at the Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, KS, and ICAF. Assignments included Army Staff and Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His group in Vietnam received the Meritorious Unit Commendation during his command. While he was Chief, MACV Ordnance Advisory Division, it was awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation during the 1972 Easter offensive. Personal decorations include foreign awards, Legion of Merit (three awards), Defense Meritorious Service, and Army Commendation Medals. He retired June '79 and headed Raytheon's Albuquerque office supporting wind energy. Dick then worked for GTE in manufacturing engineering. He was awarded GTE's "President's Award" for technical achievement. In 1988, the division became Siemens. He retired in 1993. Survivors include Tuyet, wife of 35 years; daughters, Carlisle Reheard, Cindi Robinson, Cathy Smith, Julie Gober-Wilcox, M.D.; and sons, Jim Jr., Scott Gober; and 11 grandchildren. Scripture Service will be Friday, January 18, 2008, 7:00 p.m. at French Mortuary Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd., NE. Mass of the Resurrection will be Saturday, January 19, 2008, 9:00 a.m. at Shrine of St. Bernadette, 11401 Indian School Road, NE. Interment with full military honors will follow at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery. French Mortuary, Inc. 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 505.275.3500 www.frenchmortuary.com
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