His family moved to Houston, Texas early in his childhood. He grew up in downtown Houston where he enjoyed time spent at the Red Shield Boys Club where he played different sports such as baseball and basketball, and learned wood working. He attended Annunciation Catholic School and Austin High School where he graduated in 1956. It was in school where he met his lifelong friends; Bobby Coupland, Benny Wayne Tabor and Bill Hubert.
In 1959 he joined the Army where he was an Office Clerk and earned a “Sharpshooter” marksmanship badge. He later spent 6 years in the Army reserves. After his honorable discharge, he began his career in the oil and gas measurement field.
In February 1961, he met his future wife, Elizabeth Dunbar, on a blind date set up by his cousin and Elizabeth’s best friend, Judy (Meacham) Chupik. They fell in love and were married eight months later in October of 1961. Together they built a beautiful life and family that included their two children, Cheri and Mark. They enjoyed spending time with family and friends and their love continued for 59 years. James loved the Lord. He and Elizabeth are members of The Woodlands First Baptist Church.
James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ellie, and half-sister, Dorothy Clark. He leaves behind his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Elizabeth, children Cheri Milstid and husband, Don, Mark Lee and wife, Tania, grandchildren; David Milstid and wife, Julie, Austin Williamson and wife, Victoria, Dillon Williamson, Connor Lee and Maddie Lee.
A celebration of James’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 5th at 2:00 p.m. at Cashner Funeral Home.
