Ruby Wilkinson James

Ruby Mae Wilkinson James passed unexpectedly from this life Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at St. Joseph's Regional Health Center in Bryan, TX. Ruby was born in Grimes County and grew up on the coastal plains at Rockport. She was a 7thgeneration Texan, a descendent of Stephen Franklin Sparks ,a hero of San Jacinto. Ruby was a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, a member of the Texas Historical Association, and The Aransas County Historical Society.

She is preceded in death by Samuel Owen James, her husband of 50 years; Parents John W and Mildred Walters Wilkinson and sister, Mildred Wilkinson Snyder.

Ruby served the Lord all her life as evidenced by her compassion, thoughtfulness and service to others. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bryan for over 50 years. She was an ordained Elder and Deacon and served many volunteer positions. Ruby had the privilege of serving on the staff of two churches, as organist of the First Presbyterian Church of Rockport and as Administrative Assistant of the First Presbyterian Church of Bryan for 26 years. She is considered by the Presbytery of New Covenant to be a retired professional.

Ruby will be fondly remembered for her love of family and friends, her sense of humor, her enjoyment of playing games and her love of cooking. All who knew her benefited from her delicious comfort foods.

She is survived by a loving family with 4 children, 10 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and was excitedly awaiting the birth of two great grandsons due in 2015. John and Kathy Austin James of San Antonio, Megan James of Dallas, Cody and Brittany Tuscher James of Portland; John and Kathy James McClellan of Houston, Matthew and Sage Tune McClellan of Dallas, Michael and Jamie Wernli McClellan of Houston; Jason F and Linda Ladner James of Leander, Jason W, Angie Rivera-James, Maya Ruby, Jayla Ivette, Ariana Gracy and Zoey Jane of Round Rock, Ron and Leslie Ladner Michalski of Hutto, Travis J, Kristi and Ricky Jay Ladner of Dallas, Adam, Stephanie and Addison Margaret Ladner of Austin; Will and Gail Mullinix James of Elizabethtown, KY, Bryan, Maria Fugazzi, Evelyn Gale and Samantha Rose James of Alpine, WY, Dustin James of Bowling Green, KY, sister-in-law Sue James Benderman of Beeville; Nieces and Nephews Dwight and Kim Campbell of Fort Worth, Mark and Jeanette Snyder of Angleton, Lisa Snyder of Austin, Jeff Snyder of Fulton and David Snyder of NY.

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday October 12, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan. Interment will be Monday, October 13th at 10:00 a.m. at the Bedias Baptist Cemetery in Bedias, Texas. Memorial Services will follow at 2:00 p.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Bryan, with Reverend Ted Foote and Reverend Marie Mickey officiating.

The Pallbearers will be her 10 grandchildren and Honorary Pallbearers are Sharon Rosser, Berta Little, Charlotte Rogers, JoAnn Haas, Beverly Fuston and Shirley Anderson.

Contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Bryan, or the American Cancer Society.