James moved to Conroe when he was 12 years old. It was then that he met Linnie Iola Henderson, and immediately knew that she was the one for him. James was a loving husband to Linnie for 61 years, before she passed away in 2016. He was also a loving father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He enjoyed cooking for his family and friends, but also frequented many restaurants in town such as Kuntry Katfish for dinner a few times a week, El Tri for breakfast, and Incredible Pizza with his Tuesday night group.
Above all, James loved God and loved his church, First Methodist Conroe, at which he was a member for 78 years. He faithfully led his Sunday School class in worship and music every Sunday. The words of a friend sum James up perfectly: “James was one of the kindest souls I have ever been around. He radiated love and never met a stranger. I feel so blessed to have met and loved him. He was a very special man who was a walking example of God’s love. He spoke often of his family. He loved you deeply.”
James worked in sales his entire adult life, from Nabisco to office supplies, he was a natural born salesman. He found his niche in 1972 when he began working at Conroe Creosoting. For the next 25 years he built relationships with customers and coworkers alike, until the plant closed in 1997. It was then that he and Charline Muller opened Conroe Wood Products. He loved going to work each day. Had it not been for Linnie’s illness, he would probably still be working until this day.
James is survived by daughters Jamie Shaver and husband Kenny, Julie Lumpkin, Joni Corley and husband Matt; grandchildren Cory Shaver and wife Sally Ann, Kent Shaver and wife Kiah, Kurt Shaver and wife Nichole, Madison Whitfield, and Morgan Corley. Also surviving James are great grandchildren Corbin Shaver, Connor Shaver, Kylie Kamman, Kason Shaver, Kodi Grace Shaver, Kynlie Shaver, Brynn Kamman, Quinn Shaver, Kade Shaver, Kynnedi Shaver, Crew Shaver, and Kohen Shaver; brothers John Lumpkin and wife Tammie, Dell Ray Lumpkin and wife Bettie; sister Mary Anne Griffin; sisters-in law Mavis Lumpkin, Gloria Lumpkin, and Barbara Lumpkin. James is survived by many other loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
James was preceded in death by his father John, mother Birdie, wife Linnie, and brothers Durward, Frank, and Larry.
Thank you to Jay Lumpkin, Anjanette Roberson, and Mary Anne Griffin for getting information to us quickly and being at the hospital.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 15, 2024, from 10:00am to 11:00 am at First Methodist Conroe. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 am, with Dr. John Wayne McMann officiating. Burial will follow at Conroe Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org or First Methodist Conroe General Fund at https://www.fmconroe.org/give/.
