Today, the family of James Reed “Jimmy” Huntress both mourn and celebrate the life of our mentor, patriarch, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. His parents, Henry Clay and Bessie Huntress, his brother, Hank and his sisters, Henrietta and Dorothy called him “Sugar” and most of his friends called him Jimmy. He grew up in San Antonio, TX, served in the military mostly based out of California, where he met his pride and love, Emma Ruth Baker, in a local restaurant. As the story is told, they married after only dating two weeks, and spent 68 years together, living in San Francisco, San Antonio, Houston, Burke, Lufkin and finally Bald Hill where they enjoyed their final years.
Jimmy would tell you quickly how he retired after 35 years from Lufkin Industries and by invitation from Elwyn went to work for Gipson Funeral Home where people said he managed to turn moments of sadness into laughter. Most of his life, he was active in his churches, either by teaching, ushering or serving on the board. Jimmy was a Mason and enjoyed his years of working with DeMolay International.
He bragged of a well-kept yard, a pristine pool, an oversized owl collection, and his Christmas decor but none compared to the love and pride he had for his wife, Ruth (deceased 2013); daughter, Trisha; grandchildren, Crystal and Stein Larson, Tiffany and Brian Batten; great-grandchildren, Josey, Henry, Leif, Reed and Emory; among these survivors are niece and nephew, Cheryl and Richard Crawford; along with many Baker relatives.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home.
Services for James Reed “Jimmy” Huntress will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 18, 2018 in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park, 5205 S. First Street, in the Elwyn M. Gipson Memorial Chapel, with Ralph Hale officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.
Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com
Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.
