James A. Pierce

James or Jim or Jimmy was a Christmas present born on December 25, 1925, in Calvert, Texas to James Archie Pierce, Sr. and Bessie Wilmoth Pierce.

His parents, his siblings Robert Pierce and Doris Pierce Wilkerson, brother-in-law Harold Shelton, niece Jeannie Efird, and son-in-law, Patrick Hughes, preceded him in death. Jim is survived by his wife, Benenna Jo Pierce, daughter, Carole Ann Pierce, son, James Ray Pierce, and James'wife, Diane Harris, who is also his cherished second daughter. Surviving members of Jimmy's family also include brother-in-law Jack Shelton, his wife Joyce, and cousin Judy Skipping Miller and her husband Don. Other surviving members of Jimmy's family include nephews Bob Markos, Bill Pierce, David Shelton, John Shelton, Tom Shelton, and Curtis Smith; nieces include Susan Ellison, Emily Fletty, and Fran Kelley, with all their spouses and children. Especially dear to Jim were his namesake niece Elizabeth A. Shelton and her spouse.

Jimmy spent many of his formative years in Jefferson, Texas, but graduated from Austin High School in January 1943. Upon high school graduation at 17, he enlisted in the Navy V-12 Program through the University of Texas. He continued in the Navy as a radar specialist until his discharge in May 1946. After re-enrolling at the University of Texas, he met his wife-to-be in the fall of 1946. They married September 6, 1947 and had 68 wonderful years together. Jim obtained his Bachelor of Science in 1951 from UT with what was then labeled an Engineering Route to a Business Administration degree.

After his graduation from college, Jimmy moved his new family, including Carole Ann, born in 1948, to Bishop, Texas where he worked for Celanese Chemical Corporation from September of 1951 until his retirement at 58. Jimmy's son, James Ray, was born in 1953, completing the nuclear family.

Jimmy's caring nature was often expressed through humor---and his favorite audience was family, especially nieces and nephews. He was "Fearless Leader" on many excursions and family outings, including RV trips and ocean cruises. He also organized and led many, many successful garage sale expeditions. He enjoyed retirement in Austin, Texas, partly because it was more central for family travelers to visit than South Texas had been.

Deer hunting was also a favorite occupation for many years, until he "wasn't mad at the deer anymore." Hunting required multiple trips to Brookesmith each year to hunt and to maintain feeders and blinds. These trips provided special fellowship with his hunting partners, his son, his son-in-law, and great-nephew David Ellison and special cousin Charles Beck.

The funeral will be at the Weed-Corley-Fish North funeral home located at 3125 North Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78705 at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 14th. A reception will follow immediately for all to attend and celebrate Jim's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your favorite charity.