J. Paul James

He was a husband, a father, a grandfather and a true friend. He delighted in making others happy. Those who knew him knew this to be true. He loved children and dogs, but more importantly, they loved him. He loved to sing and to tell jokes. He loved to work and he loved to play. He was almost always smiling. His was a life well-lived.

Born in Pampa, Texas, the fourth of five children to Preston and Frances James. He grew up in Lubbock, Texas graduating from Lubbock Senior High in 1952. His high school loves included playing the trombone and courting Joanne. Paul and Joanne were married in 1953, and did not part until his passing. The young couple settled in Amarillo where they had two children, Mary Ellen and Daniel. He and Joanne were active members of Amarillo’s First Presbyterian Church serving in various roles. There they formed lasting friendships that still flourish today.

Paul was a natural salesman and entrepreneur. He owned several small businesses early in his career before moving to Houston in 1971. In 1975 he co-founded Century Builders, a firm specializing in commercial and church design and construction. In his off time he could often be found (or not found) plying the waters of Galveston bay in his sloop, Solitaire.

In the late 1990’s he also served as President of the Houston chapter of C.A.L.A. (Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse).

After retirement in 1998 he managed investment properties, and found great pleasure spending time with family, friends and Rex the Wonder Dog. He took special delight in his grandchildren Noah and Nicole. Through years of declining health and numerous health crises he continued to love life and others, and sturdily held his ground as long as he could.

He is preceded in death by his parents Preston and Frances James of Lubbock, TX and his brothers Gene and Shelby James. He is survived by his sister Wanda Rankin of Lubbock; sister and brother-in-law Joyce and John Peterson of Sherman, Texas. He is also survived by his wife Joanne, daughter Mary Ellen, son and daughter-in-law Daniel and Robin James and grandchildren Noah and Nicole.

A memorial service will be held this Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home at 12:30pm in Texas Liberty Chapel.