Paul James

Salois

Paul James Salois, 65, passed away suddenly on Nov. 30, 2025, in Wichita Falls.

Paul was born in Bay City, MI, on Oct. 2, 1960, and grew up in rural Michigan. He graduated from Pinconning High School in 1978 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served until 1999.

One of his first stops in the military was Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he met his wife, Gay. Paul served as an F-15 avionics specialist, avionics instructor, curriculum manager and IT manager during his time in the Air Force.

After leaving the service, Paul worked as an IT contractor and federal civilian employee at Sheppard Air Force Base. He retired in 2023 and spent additional time as what his grandson called an "airplane watcher," often piggybacking his career experience with studying rocket launches, airplanes, and, eventually, antique vehicles. Less than 72 hours before his death, he was with family at an antique vehicle museum in Kansas, combining two things he truly loved.

Paul also enjoyed NASCAR and other motorsports.

Paul is survived by his wife of nearly 44 years, Gay; son Brad (wife Kari), grandsons Wyatt and Logan and granddaughter Julia; parents Jan and Jerome; siblings John, Lori and Sharie; and various nieces and nephews.