Horace Benjamin James

Horace “Red” Benjamin James, of Houston, died October 30, 2011. He was born on November 17, 1929 to Ralph Lafayette James, Sr. and Barbara Machala James. He was a member of West End Baptist Church and a 1948 graduate of John H. Reagan High School where he performed in the marching band. He married his high school sweetheart, Jacquelyn Louise James in 1948.

Horace retired from the U. S. Postal Service with 43 years of service. He served as President of the National Letter Carriers Association of Greater Houston and represented that association at the Inauguration of President John F. Kennedy, Jr. in Washington, D. C. in 1961. He loved playing with his children and teaching them to fish. He loved his grandchildren and loved cooking special meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas for his family.

Horace “Red” James is survived by his sons Randon Norman “Randy” James (Lou Ann) and Kelly Meredith James of Houston, and daughter Julie James of Austin. His six grandchildren are Jacquelyn Wallace, California; Carey Andrew James, Berkeley, CA; Rebecca Ann James; Reed Benjamin James; Kathryn Blaire James; and Matthew Alexander James are all of Houston, and lovingly called him “Poppa Choo Choo”. Also two great-grandchildren of California, three nieces and nephews, two cousins, numerous friends and great-nieces and nephews. Brother is Ralph L. James, Jr. (Marilyn) of Spring, TX and sister is Barbara James Bohmann (Charles) of Katy, TX. Long-time friend and companion is Margie Moran. He is predeceased by his wife Jacquelyn Louise James; parents Ralph and Barbara James; sister Jean James Snell (John Jr.) and brothers Walter Norman James (Patty) and Robert Ralph James (Frances).

Arrangements are by Heights Funeral Home. Services will be held at The Chapel of Heights Funeral Home on Thursday November 3, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour before the services. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Garden of Memories in Houston, Texas. The family will accept offerings of flowers.