James Manuel

James was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on April 16, 1927 to Greek-American merchant parents, Freeda Johani Manuel and James Manuel, Sr. As their first born child; he initially worked in the then well-known family business located in North Adams, Massachusetts, “Candyland.” Known locally at the time as a lively business luncheon counter by day, teen haunt by night, and maker of delectable sweets and chocolates, the Candyland was definitely not what Jim was interested in. But his early experience there did provide the foundation for his business acumen and hardworking values. He attended and graduated from Drury High School, with primary interests in biology and economics. In extracurricular activities, he excelled in swimming and track. Musically, he played trumpet and trombone, and was active in area drum corps.

As a coxswain in the United States Navy from June 1945 to July 1946, he honorably discharged with Victory and Asia Pacific Area Medals. Jim next looked toward college: a Bachelor degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, as well as a Registered Nurse license in the State of Texas (later in life) was earned. When he returned to North Adams, Jim married Joanie Giamborino in 1955. He bucked Greek tradition by choosing to marry outside the Greek ethnic realm, which was anathema in his day. He maintained a unique tightly woven relationship with Joanie for seventy years. He fathered two children: Diane and James Joseph Manuel. During his fifties, Jim moved his family to Baytown, Texas, where he spent the entire second half of his life.

Jim was highly versatile, as demonstrated by his having worked successfully at a variety of occupations ranging from teaching public school biology, to residential building contractor, to real estate sales, and finally to clinical and administrative nursing. He made these occupational life transitions largely through self-teaching, a tribute to his inherent intellect. Although he respected the work domains that he chose for himself, he did not force his choices or preferences upon his children. When his daughter once asked his opinion as to whether she should pursue nursing as an alternate career, as Jim did, he replied, “Better not, the way nurses are, you may have to ‘shoot-em.’ As well, Jim’s self-effacing sense of humor often prevailed: for example, whenever he was queried about his war time experiences, his contended the goriest battle he ever fought was in the ship’s galley when he defeated sixteen Pilipino men by clobbering each on the head with a frying pan.

Jim enjoyed fishing, and started many a broiling Texas day casting in Galveston and Trinity Bay, on the Texas City Dike, Aransas and Rollover Passes. In retirement, he photographed and fished through much of the West and along the Canadian border by travel trailer, with a particular interest in American Indian archeological sites and relics. He also adopted and forever doted upon several Greyhound dogs in his life, and was an avid admirer of their speed, agility and loyalty.

In 2012 James became increasingly highly weakened by his medical problems centering around his kidney/urology deficits. This culminated in a prolonged summer admission at the VA Michael DeBakey Hospital in Houston, where he died October 19.

James is survived by his involved ex-spouse Joanie Manuel, daughter Diane Manuel, grandson Jordan Manuel, brother Thomas Manuel, nephews Robbie Manuel, Chip Manuel and Jack Manuel, and sisters in laws Mildred Giamborino and Tonnie Manuel. James is preceded in death by his son, James Joseph Manuel.

Although services will not be held, Jim’s ashes will be interred and memorialized with a Veteran’s Administration marker in the Veteran’s Administration National Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Earthman of Baytown, Texas.

Any memorial donations may be mailed to Jim’s favorite, SmileTrain, PO Box 96231, Washington, DC, 20090-6231, or by their phone 800-932-9541.