James Arthur Singleterry

                                                                        OBITUARYJames Arthur Singleterry, Sr. was born June 15,1923 in Conroe TX, to Elmer Jenkins Preston and Hubert Arthur Singleterry, who both preceded him in death. James moved to Houston with his mother at a very young age. While he did not have a formal education, he had drive, determination and an entrepreneurial spirit. He took odd jobs, sang in a quartet and even drove a taxi-cab with Crystal White Cab Co. to earn a living.  A pivotal moment in his life occurred as a result of segregation. While driving his taxi an officer told him that he could not park his taxi in front of the William Penn Hotel, which was once a prominent structure in downtown Houston. After years of hard work, James decided to take an exam which would allow him to sell property, and obtained a Texas Real Estate Broker license. He began to negotiate the sale of small properties on the Northside of Houston and soon realized he had a knack for this line of work.  James never forgot the admonishment he received from that officer at the William Penn and when the hotel went up for sale, he could not pass up the opportunity to purchase it. Mr. Singleterry was not only a Real Estate entrepreneur, he also entertained in his community. He was a baritone singer with the Southern Tones and a gospel promoter for musical acts; The Five Blind Boys, The Mighty Clouds of Joy and others. He built and owned the Club Magnavox and the prominent De Villa Motel during its time in 5th Ward. James A. Singleterry became a very successful businessman and believed that “a man's reputation could take him a long way”.  He has received various awards for his contribution to the development of 5th Ward in Houston and community services around the Houston area. James was a smart, savvy, charming and hard working. Until September 20, 2018 at the age of 95, he still drove to his office every morning, after stopping for his breakfast at a nearby diner. He never wanted to slow down. James A. Singleterry, Sr., leaves to cherish his memory, five daughters; Meriam Byrd (Kenneth), Daphne Singleterry, Anjie Hollins (James), Jeannine Singleterry and Twanna Singleterry; three sisters, Minerva Gooden Cullors, Sherry Singleterry and Vivian Williams; nineteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. His sons, Charles Singleterry, James A. Singleterry Jr., daughter, Betty Pouncy, grandson Russell Washington and great-grandson Ronald Washington Jr., preceded him in deathIn lieu of flowers, the family of Mr. Singleterry encourages you to make a contribution to the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation, a nonprofit 501 c 3 organization committed to the redevelopment of Houston's 5th Ward where Mr. Singleterry prided himself in supporting and investing.Please forward your tax deductible contribution to Fifth Ward CRC, 4300 Lyons Ave, Suite 30, Houston Texas 77020 or online at www.fifthwardcrc.org by clicking "Donate". If using the online method, you will be directed to PayPal for secure processing of your payment.