James Baxter Gentry

James Baxter Gentry, Jr., 81, passed away peacefully on New Year's Eve. His family has a video of him taken that day, participating in a party at the home where he lived, wearing a hat, blowing a party horn and wishing everyone a happy new year. Eight hours later, he went to sleep and travelled to heaven, joyously greeted by Julia, his wife of 59 years.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, James Baxter Gentry, Sr. and Dora Ferrell Gentry. He is survived by his 2 brothers, Chis and Bill, a cousin, Blount and his 5 children, David, Alice, Baxter III, Michael and Dorabeth. He has 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Beginning his career with IBM, Baxter Jr. worked at the newly developed Johnson Space Center in Houston. He moved on successfully as an innovative entrepreneur in the infancy of computer data processing.

However, the absolute focus in his life was faith and family. He was a highly regarded Bible teacher, a fitness enthusiast, and blissfully engaged grandfather and great-grandfather. He was an avid photographer and loved the outdoors, climbing tall mountains, backpacking with his kids and grandkids, snapping shots of chirping critters or flowering high altitude meadows.

Along with his energetic wife, he drove cross-country and flew abroad to visit family during the holidays and for other special events. His loved ones remember him as a man of unwavering Christian faith, integrity, diligence and profound thoughts. He was a consummate gentleman. No one can ever recall an occasion where a curse word crossed his lips. He was grateful and content, securing a lasting legacy of how he loved, supported and served others. Often, we reflect upon his booming rendition from the second row in church of the old gospel hymn "Trust and Obey". Dutifully and earnestly, Baxter, Jr. lived that and inspired us all to do the same.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2014 in the Chapel at Grace Presbyterian Church, 10221 Ella Lee, Houston, TX 77042.