He was born on February 13, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri to Zelmar and Irene Underwood. James attended Eldon High School and graduated in the class of 1960. James then began his career in the Air Force as a Chinese Linguist.
James married Mildred Silvey on December 20, 1963 and had three children - Teri, Sandy, and Christin. James was a proud veteran and had a passion for his family, his country, and taking care of servicemen from all branches. He will always be remembered for his strong beliefs, work ethic, and bear hugs.
James is preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Underwood; parents, Zelmar and Irene Underwood; brothers, Etzel Underwood and Dale Underwood; and niece, Laurie Badalamenti.
Left to cherish James' memory are his daughters, Teri S. Smith, Sandy Vest, and Christin and Darron Miller, all of San Angelo. Grandchildren, Sara Vest of San Angelo, Riley Miller of San Angelo, Jessica Miller of San Angelo, Kurt Vest of College Station, Jennifer & Logan Sanders of San Angelo, Amber Vest of San Angelo, Hunter Vest of San Angelo, Emily Miller of San Angelo, Logan Vest of College Station, Michael Miller of San Angelo, Jannika Smith of San Angelo, and Lillian Vest of Austin. Great-grandchildren, Mirabelle Vest, Linley Teutsch, Jenniah Smith, Kaeson Smith, and Landen Sanders, all of San Angelo. Nieces and nephews, Rob and Teresa Underwood of Missouri, Carla Hoffman of Missouri, and Chuck Dutcher of Colorado. James also leaves behind several great-nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 6-8 PM on Wednesday August 16, 2023 at Johnson's Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Thursday August 17, 2023 with Chris Heronema officiating. Interment will follow at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
Serving as pallbearers are Logan Sanders, Riley Miller, Kurtis Vest, Logan Vest, Hunter Vest, and Michael Miller. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Darron Miller, Charlie Stevens, and his brothers from the USPS.
In lieu of flowers, the Underwood Family asks that you make a memorial donation to the Alzheimer's Association West Texas Chapter, 4400 N. Big Spring St, Suite E202, Midland, TX 79705.
The family would also like to thank the Solaris Hospice Team for their compassionate care.
