Capt. James Morris “Jim” Brightman, U.S. Navy (Ret.), age 81, of Fairview, Texas, passed away Feb. 13 after a tough battle with dementia.

He was born July 20, 1935, in Harlingen, Texas, to Lieuen Morris and Mary Virginia (Loomis) Brightman. He grew up primarily in Sherman, Texas. After graduating from North Texas State University (now UNT), he entered the U.S. Navy and completed OCS in Newport, R.I., in 1957.

On April 24, 1958, he married the love of his life, Sarah Sue Compton, in Sherman, as he began his distinguished 29-year naval career and their world-wide adventure together.

Jim’s naval service took him and the family all over the world, including Iwakuni, Japan; Arlington, Texas; Pensacola, Fla.; Rota, Spain; San Diego, Calif.; Washington, D.C.; Whidbey Island, Wash.; Mayport, Fla.; Guam; and, San Antonio, Texas.

Jim was a pioneer in electronic warfare and electronic countermeasures for the Navy. His work led directly to the development of the Shrike Missile during Viet Nam, saving countless aviators’ lives. Jim was one of the first officers selected to start up the EA-6B program in 1970 and was commanding officer of VAQ-134.

He was a graduate of the National War College and then served as air ops and ops officer on the USS Forrestal. After his time on the Forrestal, he served as commanding officer of VQ-1, at the time, the largest aviation squadron in the Navy. He ended his career serving as vice commander of the Joint Electronic Warfare Center in San Antonio.

While serving in the Navy, he spent time deployed on the USS Forrestal, USS Saratoga, USS Ranger, USS Kitty Hawk, USS Constellation and the USS Enterprise. In addition to other medals and awards during his service, he was the recipient of multiple Navy Commendation Medals and the Legion of Merit.

Following his naval career, Jim worked for the state of Texas as director of health and safety for the Texas Workforce Commission in Austin from 1988 until he retired for good. He and Sarah resided in Austin until 2015. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity and served as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church.

Jim could be a taskmaster, but he loved his family, dogs, horses and making sure those around him performed their best. He enjoyed good food and wine — particularly Sarah’s culinary talents. He had a sharp and sarcastic sense of humor and never failed to tell an attractive woman that she was just that. He was an avid reader and never stopped his learning.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah Brightman of Fairview, Texas; his son Tim Brightman and wife Tracy of McKinney, Texas; his daughters Sue Morrow and husband Bob of Brandon, Miss., and Jennifer Brightman of Fairview; his grandchildren Emily Brightman, Jack Brightman, Molly Morrow, Nicholas Morrow and Matthew Moschel; and his sister Lieuen Boyington and husband L.R. of Sherman, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Eleanor “Sissy” Busskohl.

A funeral service was held at noon Wednesday, Feb. 22, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel in Allen, Texas. Interment followed at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Alzheimer Association.

To convey condolences or to sign an online registry, please visit www.tjmfuneral.com