Fallen Soldier: James A. Funkhouser

Captain Funkhouser, 35, of Katy, Texas, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, TX. He died May 29, 2006, of injuries sustained when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during reconnaissance patrol operations in Baghdad.

Affectionately known as Alex, he was a typical teenager who loved the outdoors. His favorite activities included barbequing, golf, and hunting. After high school Alex enrolled in Stephen F. Austin State University to pursue a wildlife management degree. He left school in 1991 to enlist. He worked his way through the ranks to Staff Sergeant and then gained entry to the prestigious “Green to Gold Program” at Southwest Texas State University. He graduated in August 1999 with a degree in business management. On August 6, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, with his father, now a retired Army Colonel, administering the oath.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer and two daughters, Kaitlyn and Allison.