James B. Lemons

James B. Lemons was born in Fredericksburg, Texas on November 12, 1915 to P.W. and Ethel Lemons. He was the middle son, having an older brother John Lemons and younger brother Gilbert Lemons who both preceded him in death.

His family moved to San Antonio when he was a youth where his father P.W. started the family business, Texas Shade Factory in 1929. James graduated form Main High School in San Antonio, joined and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII aboard a hospital ship in the Pacific campaign.

After discharge from the Navy he worked at Kelly A.F.B. for a period before deciding to re-join his father's business, Texas Shade Factory, for the rest of his business career. He became owner and president of the company after his father's passing. The business was San Antonio's leading manufacturer of venetian blinds and window shades for many years, serving residential, business and government customers.

James married Minnie Ella Fulcher in 1948 and they had one son, Benjamin, in 1952 before divorcing in 1966. He met his second wife, Mozelle Schaefer in the early '70's and they remained together until her death in 1995.

James took up art in his youth and it became his lifelong enjoyment and vocation. He painted in oils, watercolor, pastels and chalk. He belonged to Coppini Academy and the San Antonio River Art Group for many years. He studied with and was a friend of Rolla Taylor, a noted San Antonio artist.

He retired from business in 1984, eventually moving to Center Point, Texas where he enjoyed painting the natural beauty of the area. In his early eighties he traveled to Italy for an artist's tour, where he made several paintings. He taught watercolor art classes at The Kerr Arts and Cultural Center even into his late eighties. He moved back to San Antonio in 2007, residing at Newforest Estates where he was making sketches of the residents up to the day before his death.

James is survived by his sons, Benjamin Lemons, Duane Schaefer and wife Judy, grandchildren Darien and Austin Schaefer and several beloved nieces and nephews.

James was a devout Christian all of his life, not just a churchgoer; he lived his life according to Christ and followed his teachings. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.