James Robert Betts was born on 17 September 1931, in Marion, Ohio. His parents are James Betts & Lula (Coon) Gullett. He was married to Gillie G. (Ferris), in Indiana, on 29 December 1951.

James R. Betts attained the rank of Sergeant (Sgt.). He served in Korea with the 630th Engineer Light Equipment Company, 19th Engineer Construction Group. Sgt. James Betts served as a construction equipment operator. While operating a bulldozer a can of gasoline exploded. Sgt. Betts received severe burns to his body and respiratory tract. He was taken for treatment to the 11th Evacuation Hospital. Sgt. James R. Betts died from his injuries on 29 September 1953.

Sgt. James R. Betts was awarded: the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

Sgt. James R. Betts is buried in the C M Cemetery, Oak Hill, Jackson County, Ohio.

James R. Betts’ name is not found on any Honor Rolls in Marion County.