James attended Clinton Elementary and Farmington High school, and went on to graduate from Schoolcraft College and Henry Ford College. He dutifully served his country for 2 years after enlisting in the Army, during which time he attained the rank of Specialist 4th Class (SP4 E4), expert rifle, and a National Defense Service Medal, after which he was honorably discharged. Ever proud of his military service, he joined the American Legion to further honor his brothers in arms. James had a career as a Design Engineer for Ford Motor Company for 24 years and also worked as a FEMA Inspector.
He was married to Melba on July 22, 1967 and together spent a blissful 51 years, during which time they raised a beautiful family together. James had an abiding passion for all things related to cars and had a special weak spot for the Classics. He enjoyed working on them, painting them, as well as buying and selling cars. Once a hospice nurse had asked him if he ever had cataracts, to which he replied “No, but I’ve had a few Chevys.” As a family, they would often journey to Arkansas to enjoy summer vacations with Melba’s relatives. He loved to dance with Melba, and liked the music of Dr Hook, George Jones, and Credence Clearwater Revival.
James is survived by his wife Melba, of Cleveland, Texas; son Scott and wife Brandi Provenzola, and their children Isabella Provenzola and Caleb Brinkmeyer, of Magnolia, Texas; daughter Kristal Provenzola and her daughter Sophia Provenzola, of Houston, Texas; older sister Marti and husband John Byrd, of Seattle, Washington; younger sister Mary and husband Roger Palmer, of Seattle Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Margaret Provenzola.
James will be laid to rest on Friday, March 29, 2019 at 10:00 am at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.
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