James McEndree Jr.

James Arthur McEndree Jr., age 76, died peacefully April 27, 2008 following a 2 1/2 year battle with cancer. He was born in Chicago, Illinois May 23, 1931 to James Arthur Sr. and Marguerite Elizabeth McEndree. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 54 years, Carol Audrey McEndree. Other survivors include his daughter and son-in-law James and Kathie Preece, his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Cheryl McEndree; his grandchildren Beth and husband Matt Dickerson, Nikolas Preece, Sara McEndree, Adam McEndree and step-grandchildren Amanda and Nathan Myers; his brother-in-law Nathaniel Grunst; his niece, Cynthia Bednarz and his nephew, Martin Grunst, and several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Jeremy Preece and his sister-in-law Cornelia Grunst. During the Korean War, he served in the Air Force, stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he met his future bride, Carol Grunst. They were married on August 8, 1954 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jim spent his career of 30 years in Dallas with Braniff Airlines and DalFort as quality control supervisor. He loved anything about airplanes and had a life-long hobby building and flying control line and remote control airplanes. Even during his brave fight with cancer, he found joy in building and flying kites. Jim and Carol spent most of their married life together in Irving, Texas. The last 3 years they lived in Temple, Texas. Jim was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Irving and served in numerous leadership roles. His church home in Temple was First Lutheran Church. Jim will be fondly remembered by the "Breakfast Club" at the Meridian Retirement Community. He is greatly loved and will be sorely missed by many family members and friends. A Memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church at 31st and Adams in Temple on Saturday May 3, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Patricia Dietrich officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ministry to the Armed Forces of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod or the Paralyzed Veterans Association.