James Orland Pike

James Orland Pike, 90, went to be with the Lord on May 21, 2019 at the Willowbrook Nursing Center in Nacogdoches. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Helen Grace Williams of Nacogdoches, Texas; son John David Pike and daughter-in-law Mary Willis Pike of Conroe, Texas; daughter-in-law Joy Pike of Galena, Ohio; granddaughters Laura Pike Seeley of Richardson, Texas, Julia Pike Kelly of Houston, Texas, and Mackenzie Pike Allaby of Westerville, Ohio; grandsons Daniel Pike of Canon City, Colorado and Trevor Pike of Galena, Ohio; and great-grandsons Cliff Pike Seeley of Richardson, Texas and John Tynan Kelly of Houston, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Demarcus Pike and Willie Mae Crossland Pike, and his son, James Edward Pike. A third generation Texan, James Pike was born on July 2, 1928, in Nacogdoches County. He grew up in the Fairview area of the county and attended the Methodist Church there. He studied at Nacogdoches High School, graduating in 1945. He was a man of strong faith, and attended Grace Bible church for many decades. In fact, he and his beloved wife, Helen, who he met through mutual friends, were the first couple to be married in the church in 1948. Soon after, James started his career working for the city of Orange, Texas. During the Korean War, he was drafted into the Army. James spent his deployment in Germany, and was able to travel to many countries in Europe. During his service, he learned his trade of electronics and telecommunications. After the service he returned to Orange where the couple’s first son John was born in 1955. In 1957 James began a career with Transco Gas Pipeline near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. James and Helen’s second son, Ed, was born there in 1958. In 1960 the family moved back to Texas where James continued his career with Transco. The family was active in First Baptist Church of Sour Lake. James was very involved in the two children’s school and extracurricular activities in Sour Lake as well. He continued his work there until retiring after 33 years with Transco. After he retired, James returned to Nacogdoches, where he enjoyed family, traveling, camping, fishing and watching his grandchildren grow. James’ family will miss his steadfast dedication, his dry wit, and his ability to fix just about anything. They are grateful for his long, happy life, his unfailing support, and all the memories they will carry with them. A funeral service will be held May 25, 2019 at 10am in the chapel at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home in Nacogdoches. Officiating will be Pastor Brent Bullard of Grace Bible Church. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2019, also at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home. Pallbearers include grandson Daniel Pike; grandsons-in-law Nick Seeley and Shane Kelly; and nephews Rick Williams, Andrew Leach, Robert Jenkins, Tim Honea and Mark Williams. Honorary pallbearers include Cecil Sparks, Verne Shofner, and Gerald Hebert. Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.