Mrs. Eva June (Jackson) James

Born in Neches, Texas in the mid 1900’s and raised in Palestine, Texas, Eva June was the baby girl and she always stayed active in sports and dance. Eva has never been shy and is known for her outspoken honesty. Eva was a star sprinter and basketball player for Flint Hill high school in Palestine, Texas where she graduated at an early age. After high school she attended Prairie View A&M University where she received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Science. While matriculating at Prairie View A&M University, not only was she a student but she taught dance as well. In her 30 plus years of education she taught on all levels from a college professor to elementary science teacher.

In 1957 while studying at Prairie View she discovered that she had a stalker; a young man would follow her to the library but he never had any books, he was a football player by the name of Freddie Lee James. Freddie would not leave Eva alone and after dating for 3 years he asked her to be his wife. The couple soon married the following year.

After several tries at career choices Freddie decided to become a teacher and coach. Coach James began his coaching career in Calvert, Texas at Spigner High School while Eva continued teaching at Prairie View A&M, during that time she gave birth to her only child Frenanda James.

In the late 1960’s Coach James accepted a position with the Dallas Independent School District at J. N. Ervin High School. After one year he decided to move his family to Dallas with him, and Mrs. James was offered a position with DISD as an elementary science teacher. Eva has taught at several schools in Dallas such as L.K. Hall, Travis and James Hogg just to name a few. After 34 years in education Mrs. James retired and became a full time best friend to her husband.

Mrs. Eva June James joined the Union Church in 1969 when they moved to 910 E. Ledbetter under founder Rev. C.C. Cyphers. In the year of 1986 the ministry was handed off to Dr. Charles C. Martin Sr. and her membership has never wavered. She has been utilized as the keynote speaker for several local events and recognized as “Woman of the Year” in 2010; Eva was recognized in the movies “Friday Night Lights” and “Carter High” (Vivica Fox acted as Eva).

She leaves in God’s care her loving husband, Freddie Lee James, son Rev. Frenanda James (wife Marie), grandchildren Montrice Evette, Freddie Lawrence, Faith Moriah, brother Cecil Jackson (wife Bernice), sister Alsie Claybon, brother in laws John English (wife Joyce), O’Ferell English (wife Erma), sister in laws Rosa Lee Gibson and Johnie V. Wallace and also a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loves her dearly.