Jess J Mangum

Jess J. Mangum, 85, of Groveton, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2013 from complications of lung problems. He was born on September 15, 1927, the son of the late Ollie (Chapman) and William Jess “WJ” Mangum.

Jess grew up in the Pineywoods of beautiful East Texas. Jess worked in the trucking industry for over 55 years for C & H Transportation and Lone Star Corp. as a lease operator and enjoyed the challenge of handling large, oversized, “near impossible” loads of heavy equipment freight transported cross-county. He was one of the first operators to make the trek to Alaska at the beginning of the Alaskan Cross Country Pipeline.

Jess served his country as a Paratrooper in the United States Army. He was a great sportsman, an excellent marksman, and as a young man he enjoyed calf roping and riding at local rodeos around the Pineywoods of East Texas, which he loved. His last few years were spent at his boyhood farm where he and his wife spent most of their free time, enjoying the country life in the lovely home that they spent building over 20 years. Those were his happiest years.

Jess is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Jerry Jones Mangum of Groveton and Houston; daughters, Cheryl Hausman of Tomball and Michele Barrett of Huntsville; 11 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one niece, Linda McBride of Houston; nephew J. P. DiMaria of Madisonville and his little wirehair fox terrier “Sidekick” Mickey.

In addition to his parents, Jess was preceded in death by his sisters, Ava McBride and Edwina Ray.

A celebration of Jess’ life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2013 in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel.

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home; 1515 S. Chestnut, Lufkin, Texas; 936/634-4411