James Bascom Coulter

JB was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Letha Barber, sisters Leah Whitehead, Stella Ragsdale, and Brothers Hubert (Bullitt) Coulter, Ray Coulter and Robert Vaughn Coulter.

JB grew up in the hill country town of Medina and enjoyed hiking, swimming in the rivers, hunting and fishing. In 1934 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked on the construction of flood control and water conservation dams in High Roads, New Mexico up in the Sacramento Mountains. In Feb of 1936, JB then went to work for Humble Oil Co in Ingleside Texas as a power plant operator. In Aug of 1943 he interrupted his career and joined the US Navy to serve his country in World War II. He served as an electrician’s mate on the U.S.S Phaon in the South Pacific and was in the battles of Saipan and Tinian. He was honorably discharged in Dec 1945 and moved to Baytown to continue his career at Humble Oil to work at the Baytown refinery. JB retired in February of 1977 from Exxon. In retirement JB volunteered and drove cancer patients from Baytown to MD Anderson for approximately 12 years. JB was a member of St John’s United Methodist Church and served on many church committees throughout the years. He was a member of the St. James House Auxiliary. He spent the last 15 years at St James House nursing home where he served as Resident Council President. He enjoyed traveling, reading and listening to music.

JB is survived by Nieces Shirley Rae Coulter Gonzalez, Francis Whitehead Smith and Nephew Robert Dean Coulter, Great Nieces Lisa Coulter Schwab, Lori Coulter Dalton, Great Nephew Robert Coulter, Guy Smith, Jody Vanicek and their children Aaron Schwab, Tara Schwab, Karyn Schwab, Doug Dalton, Catherine Coulter, Alex Coulter and Carson Coulter.

JB made friends easily with his demeanor and personality. He was kind, humble, quick witted and had a great sense of humor. He touched many and will be missed by his many friends and not soon forgotten.

JB’s family would like to thank all his doctors and caregivers for their wonderful care and dedication. JB was an independent man who enjoyed life and they made sure it was quality of life that came first and foremost.

Pallbearers are Glenn Leissner, Michael Schwab, Aaron Schwab, Robert Coulter, Doug Smith, Guy Smith and Jesse B. Kirkpatrick, DDS.

Visitation will be held at Earthman Baytown Funeral Home on Friday August 17th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorial Services will be held in the Chapel of Earthman’s Baytown Funeral Home on August 18th at 10:00AM, with a graveside service following at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Memorial Donations can be made to St. James House or Faith Community Hospice.