Friends remember James Killough, killed in hit-and-run
Ahit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a well-loved Taylor resident, military veteran and Cold War spy has left family and friends reeling over the “senseless” loss.
The FBC Brain Trust met at their usual time Monday, but on this occasion they shared memories of their friend James Killough, who was killed last week by a hit-and-run driver. They left an empty seat at their table at El Corral Lozano, 300 W. Second St., for Killough.
James Killough, 81, was struck in the parking lot of the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Taylor, 305 Mallard Lane, shortly before 10:15 a.m. July 24, police said.
The driver left the scene as hospital staffers rushed from the building to aid Killough, though he succumbed to his injuries, police said.
Friends said he had come to the hospital for physical therapy.
Jesse Jackson, 43, of Spring, has been charged with first-degree murder and remains in the Williamson County Jail in Georgetown in lieu of a $1 million bond.
Friends and relatives mourning Killough said one of the town’s brightest beacons was snuffed out after a career of service to his country and his community.
“(Jim) was a great man who was a light in our dark world,” said Matt Perez, who attended First Baptist Church with Jim and his wife, Rhonda.
Although no official motive has been revealed, according to an eyewitness account, Killough’s death is believed to have been caused by road rage in what friends and his son, Nathan Killough, have described as “a senseless act.”
Every Monday morning Killough joined his friends for breakfast at El Corral Lozano. They affectionately called themselves the FBC Brain Trust.
The members were retired and many, including Killough, were former military service members.
According to friends and relations, Killough served his country during the Vietnam War as a spy in East Germany and gathered intelligence for the U.S. military.
“Jim and I were both Vietnam veterans and had a brotherhoodtype bond because of this. When I shook his hand and we looked each other in the eye, we both felt a common bond that only veterans understand,” said John Palacios, who served as a sergeant in the Army.
This week, Killough’s friends left an empty seat at the table to commemorate his memory, placing a hat and a rose there.
Killough also enjoyed working with his hands, said Judy Schroeder.
“He loved to create things out of wood, and I was blessed with birdhouses and a family of ducks to put in my garden,” Schroeder said.
All agreed Killough was a man who loved his wife and family and who venerated the Lord.
“Jim had a heart of service whether in his city work, in church or with his family. For those who didn’t know him personally, you missed a real treat,” said Terry Roberts. “My life is richer because of knowing Jim as a person and friend.”
Killough and his wife were married for 58 years and had three sons – two are deceased. He also was a deacon at First Baptist and was involved in the Community Bible Study in which FBC and Memorial Baptist Church are partners.
Services had not been announced at deadline.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information in the case is asked to call police at 512-352-5551.
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“Jim had a heart of service.”
— Terry Roberts
