Doug Tobler made a shadow box of memorabilia for his father, J.B.[/caption]

It is safe to say that Julius Byers Tobler, or J.B. to his friends and family, has seen a lot of history in his 90 years.

From witnessing historical events during World War II to raising a family in Pflugerville, J.B. said his faith has played an important role in his life.

“God has brought me this far, and he’ll carry me through the rest,” J.B. said.

Born in San Antonio in 1925, J.B. was one of two children in his family. At 7 years old he had a near-death experience that encouraged his religious beliefs, he said.

“I was walking to school one day, and a car ran over me,” he said. “I was injured, but it didn’t do anything but crack my head. I got a bad hickey.”

The injury was severe enough that the doctor told J.B.’s mother that nothing more could be done for him and to take him home. She carried him to a church and asked the pastor to pray for him during the night.

“I walked home. And I wasn’t able to walk before [the prayer vigil],” J.B. said. “I know I was healed by God.”

J.B. said he had a normal childhood though he could be a troublemaker. After the start of WWII, J.B. joined the Navy when he was 17 years old.

“I chose the Navy because first off, I didn’t like foxholing or walking,” J.B. said. “You don’t do much walking on a ship.”

While serving in the Navy from 1942-45, J.B. was aboard the USS Monterey, which was deployed in the South Pacific.

The Monterey was involved in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, a decisive naval battle nicknamed the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot, and provided aerial support during the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

“I was in the right-hand front lookout, and I had to spot the kamikazes while they were up high and report that,” he said, reflecting on the Battle of the Philippine Sea.

In 1945 the Monterey pulled into Tokyo harbor. J.B. was aboard the Monterey during the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, which ended WWII.

“After the surrender was signed, the Monterey was ordered to go to New York City,” J.B. said. “We got a big welcome there. And that’s where I left the Monterey.”

J.B. said he relocated to Austin in 1945 and went to work for the city while attending high school. He said he met his future wife, Alma Jerline Griffith, at that time.

J.B. said he re-enlisted for the Korean War. He said he married Alma in 1950 and was relocated by the Navy to Long Beach, California, the same year. J.B. said he served in the Navy until 1953 and then moved back to Austin with Alma.

During the next six years their children, Robert, Doug and Garth, were born. In 1970 the family relocated to Pflugerville, confident that it would be a good place to raise the children, he said.

“We raised a happy family out there, I think,” J.B. said. “Well, I don’t think—I know.”

J.B. retired in the late '80s and remained in Pflugerville until 2014. In 2009, after 59 years of marriage, Alma died of cancer. J.B. now lives with his son, Doug, and daughter-in-law, Linda, at their home in Austin.

J.B. said when he reflects on his life he is reminded of John 15:13 from the Bible.

“‘Greater love hath no man than one who would lay down his life for his friend,’” J.B. said. “That’s what I like to think of.”