James Belec

James Medric Belec, age 73, left his earthly body and transitioned on Tuesday 3 January 2017 from his home in Ingram, TX.

Jim, AKA ''Mustang'' was born to Arthur Medric Belec and Ruby Joy Moon Belec on 2 April 1943 in Salem, Oregon. An exceptionally bright child, he was speaking full sentences at age 2. In about the second grade, Jim was identified to participate in an advanced learning program at the University. His mother declined, concerned she might lose her son. As a freshman in high school he lettered in football and wrestling. An Oregon ''Ridge Runner,'' as a teen, he worked on farms, in logging, and loved to hunt with his brother Dwaen Clinton.

Always seeking new adventures, in November 1961, Jim enlisted in the US Navy as a Boatswain's Mate and for a period of time represented the Navy as a boxer. He was quickly identified for training as a Sonarman where he mastered electronics. He served several tours in Vietnam in small boats on the coast. He rose through the ranks and was selected to Master Chief but ''sewed on'' Ensign as a Limited Duty Officer (LDO/prior Enlisted/known as ''Mustang.'') A superlative ship handler, Jim earned a Pacific Fleet-wide reputation. Weapons Systems and Electronics were his specialty. In USS Jouett (CG-29,) Jim qualified Tactical Action Officer. A natural leader, as Combat Systems Officer in USS Ranger (CV-61,) Jim was ranked number 1 of 28 Lieutenant Commanders onboard. Mustang oversaw ship overhauls and authored numerous applications for enlisted personnel who were selected to serve as LDOs. After 29 years in the US Navy, Lieutenant Commander Belec retired in December 1990 from Naval Communications Station Sicily.

Writing, theoretical physics, computer languages and programming, satellite tracking systems, radio and optical astronomy were just a few of his many interests. He conducted astronomical work with a Celestron eight-inch reflector telescope and wrote computer programs for use in testing physics and mathematical theorems. While living in Sicily, Jim performed research and theoretical work in energy/matter conversion. In early 1992, he flew to the United States and hand carried his paper, ''A Fundamental Particle of Uniformly Accelerated Expansion,'' to the University of Maryland where it was passed to Oxford University for evaluation of mathematical basis by Rouse Ball Professor of Mathematics (Roger Penrose.) Since then, the concept has gained acceptance. A few projects that remain incomplete are creating artificial intelligence and harnessing the free energy/electricity that is generated from the earth's rotation.

A member of Mensa, the International High IQ Society for people who attain a score within the upper two percent of the general population, (130 IQ or greater,) Jim enjoyed the intellectual exchange among its members. Also a member of Triple Nine Society, a social organization for anyone with an IQ three Standard Deviations above average, (146 or greater,) where only 1 in 20 Mensans qualify. With a documented IQ of 174, the joy he felt communicating with like minded people across the globe was palpable. Jim enjoyed an ongoing friendship with a Professor Emeritus of the Large Hadron Collider near Geneva, Switzerland of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN.) They would challenge each other by encrypting messages each would have to figure out how to decrypt in order to reply.

Interests included classical music (Vivaldi, Verdi, Mozart, and Chopin, mostly,) playing sweet and soulful Hawaiian Slack Key guitar, reading (physics, math history, Greek and Roman myths and legends, science fiction and contemporary short stories,) drawing and painting (graphite, water colors and acrylic.) Through his business Belec Art, he restored historical photos and sold his own floral Giclee prints. A sail maker, and an amazing leather work and Fancy Work Rope (knot tying) artist, he hand crafted numerous practical objects. For many years in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Mustang owned and raced a Cal-25, ''Buddy Boat,'' the only ''boy boat'' in the harbor. He was also an avid runner. Active in 12 step recovery programs for many years, Jim often said that he realized all of ''the promises'' of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous (a close approximation would be Self Actualization, at the apex of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs.)

In 1973, he married Shevin Anne Wong in Hong Kong. They had a daughter Renee Medric Belec but divorced. In 1984, Jim married Marguerite Elizabeth Emmons in Kaneohe, Hawaii. In 1991, they adopted twins from Albania and Mustang became ''Mr. Mom.'' He provided a wondrously stimulating environment of learning activities in which to grow, learn, and develop. His honesty, kindness, sense of humor, and cooking skills were reflected in everyday activities. Jim had fun racing his 1988 Porsche 911 twin turbo, ''Baby'' and would tour historic Virginia and the Shenendoah Valley with his children.

In 2004, Jim was one of the original veterans to start the ''In Country Vietnam Motorcycle Club'' in Texas. He encouraged bikers to attend Legislative Day in Austin and the Confederation of Clubs (COC) to promote motorcycle safety. Mustang was a member of the Bandidos for over 10 years.

He was preceded in death by father Arthur Medric Belec, step-father Henry ''Hank'' Clinton, and mother Ruby Joy Moon Clinton.

Left to honor and cherish his memory are his wife, Marguerite Belec, son Aaron of San Antonio, daughter AnnaLisa and grandson Brantley Cuellar of Kerrville. Also, daughter Renee of San Francisco, California, brother Dwaen Clinton and wife Sharon of Siletz, Oregon, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WikiMedia Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to bringing free educational content to the world so that every single human being can freely share in the sum of all knowledge.

A time of reflection will be held from 4-6 Wednesday, 11 January 2017 at Kerrville Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home. (830) 895-5111.

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