James Ray (Jim) Melton went peacefully home to be with the Lord on June 30, 2019 after a lengthy illness. The family will receive friends starting at 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 6th at Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station. A funeral service and celebration of Dr. Melton’s life will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Aggie Field of Honor.
Born in Paris, Texas on August 24, 1940, James grew up in the Dial community of northeast Texas where he graduated from Honey Grove High School in 1958. He studied Agronomy at Texas Tech University and married his high school sweetheart Sue Rae Dawson after receiving his BS degree from Tech in 1962. As newlyweds, James and Sue moved to East Lansing, Michigan so Jim could continue his education at Michigan State University. He received his Master’s degree, then PhD in 1968.
Upon graduating, James, Sue and their two daughters moved to College Station, Texas where James joined the faculty at Texas A&M University in Ag Analytical Services. Two more daughters were soon welcomed into the family. James did research and tested feed and fertilizer standards, taught, published, and was a member of several professional organizations. He retired in 1986.
Jim’s first priority in life was clear – his devotion to his Lord, Jesus Christ. He and Sue were faithful members of First Baptist Church College Station where Jim served as a deacon from a very young age, taught youth boys Sunday School, played the piano, served on committees and in the Discovery International Program. Jim passed on a legacy of faith to his family and friends, and his servant heart was evident as he was often observed helping others by taking food to the sick, visiting in the local hospitals, and helping the elderly and those in need with yard work and other chores. He was also an active member of the Gideons and was devoted for many years to Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) first in the men’s program and then as a children’s program leader.
Jim’s hobbies included playing badminton, golf, and racquetball, attending Aggie sports and most notably spending time with family, where he was an especially devoted Papa to his ten grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Louie Ray and Edna (Rosson) Melton.
Survivors include his wife, Sue; four daughters, Sherry Heritage & husband Tracy, Karen Zuehl & husband Trey, Alisa Turner & husband Chuck, and Laurie Jacobs; sister Barbara Ellis & her husband Fred; brother-in-law, James Dawson & wife Rozann; twelve grandchildren, two great grandchildren, one niece and two nephews.
If friends desire, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of College Station, Mother’s Day Out Program or the Discovery Program.
The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the staff at Accel for the loving care provided to Jim and his family over the past 18 months.
