The world lost a great friend and host on Saturday, May 4, 2013. James E. Brake went to be with his Lord and Savior after a very brief illness. He left the world peacefully surrounded by family who loved him at 3:00 in the afternoon. He is in heaven having a great time with his two brothers, Billy and Bob, who were just waiting for him to join them so they could spend eternity playing jokes on one another and having a good time. They were quite a threesome when they were younger. James was the best host! He loved for people to visit him and Lesley at their house on Lake Nasworthy. You could drop in anytime (except at nap time) and he would be excited for someone to visit with - he did like to talk. Even on Wednesday morning before they placed him on a ventilator he was joking with the nurses and talking to family. James loved to camp, boat and ride his scooter. He and Lesley had just taken a trip to Lake Brownwood a few weeks ago and had a great time - they were looking forward to the next trip as soon as his knee replacement healed. James lived life to the fullest until the last few days and that is exactly how he would have wanted it.
James was born in Emory, Texas to William V. Brake and Gertie Higgenbotham. He graduated from Slaton Texas high school and then graduated from the Lubbock County Police Academy. He was a police officer, insurance adjustor and worked at Goodyear Proving Grounds for 25 years. After retirement, he sold Farmers Mutual Insurance and started Lodge 157. This gave him lots of opportunities to meet people and make friends - which he always did. He also worked for the U.S. Post Office and was also a substitute rural route mail carrier.
He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Lesley, who kept him going and gave him a life full of fun; four children: Michael Brake and spouse Juanita of San Angelo, Mark Brake and spouse Sherrye of Rowlett, TX, David Pinkston of Des Moines, IA, and Michelle Gutierrez and spouse Ricardo of Abilene, TX; grandchildren: Jason, Jeremy, Mandi, Lauren, Baylee, and Dalton Brake; Micheal Vantine, MaKayla, Malachi and Manual Gutierrez; and Gabrielle Pinkston. He is survived by twin sister Miriam Ramirez of Clovis, NM; and nieces: Becky Morris, special niece Barbara Patterson and her family, Bobbi Bowling, Belinda Davis and Dixie Evans. He also had 5 great grandchildren. In his own words, “All of them I loved very much.” We would be remiss if we didn’t mention his baby “Snuggy” who was with him for 14 years. She was a miniature dachshund who James thought was his baby. She went camping, boating, motorcycling and jet skiing with him - he would even get mad at Lesley if she took the grandkids jet skiing and Snuggy didn’t get her turn.
Visitation will be at Johnson’s Funeral Home on Monday evening from 6-8 pm where there will be lots of funny stories shared about James and his life. There will be a graveside service on Tuesday at 10:30 am at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Pastors Dr. James A. Miller and Roger Blocker of The Heights will officiate.
The family would like to thank their church families and Community Hospital ICU for their love, concern, prayers and care. Dance and sing with the angels Uncle James - and give all our family a big hug for us. We will see you again!
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