James Ray Pipkins, Sr.

James Ray Pipkins, Sr., 84, of Nederland, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 23, 2016. He was born in Wardell, Missouri on September 11, 1932 to the late Eunice and Herman Pipkins of Wardell. After a two-year enlistment in the Army which included service in the Korean War, he married Carline Boatwright in Benton Harbor, Michigan on August 20, 1956. They were married for more than 60 years until his death. During that time, they raised eight children.

James (Jim) was preceded in death by his loving parents; his son, Gerald Pipkins; his granddaughter, Kristin Paris; two sisters, Louise Clayton and Lucille Songer and three brothers, John Raymond Pipkins, John Fraymond Pipkins, and Clifton Pipkins.

He is survived by his son, Mark Pipkins and wife Janet; son, Kevin Pipkins and wife Kimberly; son, James Pipkins, Jr.; son, Roger Pipkins; son, David Pipkins and wife Cynthia; daughter, Laura Pontiff and husband Raymond; daughter, Beverly Paris; son, John Pipkins and wife Jylynn; eighteen grandchildren, Melissa, Mark and wife Angel, Nicole, Kelsey, Troy, Trinity, Noah and wife Amanda, Jessica and husband Jay, Justin, Allison, Kayla and husband Scott, Israel, Cory, Sarah, Lauren, Joshua, Dylan, and Avery; seventeen great-grandchildren, Victor, Elizabeth, Hunter, Haley, Harmony, Hannah, Julian, Gibson, Aaron, Shaniah, Cameron, Coleton, Keaton, Gavyn, Madelyn, Skylyn, Piper; two unborn great-grandchildren; two brothers and two sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim, commonly referred to affectionately as “Pappy” by children, family and friends, was also viewed as a father figure by so many others. He was a very kind-hearted, gentle man that was extremely quick-witted and loved to tell his corny jokes and make people laugh.

Jim worked tirelessly for decades to provide for his family, demonstrating for his children and others around him an incredible work ethic. He loved to sing and play his country music. In his musical days he was the lead singer for the band named “Jim Pipkins and the Tall Timber Boys”. The band signed a record deal with Lawson Records and he was proud to boast that his music was spotlighted in the Rockabilly Hall-Of-Fame. He was a great man loved by many. He led by example, leaving behind an incredible legacy.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Triumph Church in Nederland, Texas from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 28 at the same location at 11:00 a.m.